UN welcomes Israel's approval for Gaza projects

The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) welcomes the Israeli decision and are waiting for its implementation on the ground, said Adnan Abu Hassna, spokesman for the UNRWA.

The projects are designated to accommodate thousands of Palestinian families who lost their houses in Israeli military operations in southern Gaza Strip between 2003 and 2004.

The Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip, starting when the Hamas took over Gaza by force in 2007, prevented the UNRWA from completing the projects.

In recent days, the homeless people, who would benefit from the projects, intensified their demonstrations to demand the UN to pressure Israel and let the materials in.

Abu Hassna told Xinhua that the Israeli approval is sought to end "the unacceptable suffering of thousands of Palestinian families in southern Gaza." Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com