Israel Permits Large-Scale Building Project in Gaza

Israel has authorized the construction of 1,200 new homes and 18 schools in the southern Gaza Strip.

It will be one of the largest building projects in Gaza in years.

Israel’s Civil Administration made the announcement Tuesday, the AP reported.

The homes will replace some of the 60,000 the United Nations claims were damaged or destroyed during Israel’s military offensive against Hamas almost three years ago, as well as others destroyed in earlier operations in 2003 and 2004.

Since Hamas took control of the Strip in 2007, Israel has banned the entry of construction materials including cement, metal and glass, for fear they will be converted to military use.

U.N. Spokesman Adnan Abu Hassna told reporters that he welcomed the announcement, and that the U.N. is awaiting the arrival of thousands of trucks full of construction materials, so the building can begin.

Abu Hassna said the projects are being funded by Japan and Saudi Arabia.

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