Israel halts Gaza wall construction over costs

Israel has reportedly stopped the construction of Gaza concrete wall for the moment due to its heavy cost, Israeli media sources admitted.

Walla Hebrew website said that the project initial assessments has shown that it would cost exorbitant amounts, pushing the Israeli authorities to re-tender the project with the aim of reducing the costs.

Israel has earlier declared intention to start the construction of a giant concrete wall that will completely encircle the Gaza Strip, which is already grappling with a devastating siege.

According to Israeli media sources, the wall "will reach several stories underground, and will also be several stories above ground."

It will stretch along the 96-kilometer (60 mile) border around the blockaded Palestinian enclave, and is estimated to cost about two billion Israeli shekels (USD 531 million).