RED CROSS BEGINS GAZA CLEAN UP

Gaza City, 30 Dzulhijjah 1435/24 October 2014 (MINA) – The International Committee Red Cross began removing rubble from agricultural land in south-eastern Gaza yesterday. Large areas of agricultural land were heavily shelled and bombarded in the Gaza Strip during the latest Israeli offensive on the Strip.

The spokeswoman for the Red Cross, Masada Seif, told the Andolu Agency that the organisation began its efforts by removing rubble from Khanons, in the eastern part of the Gaza Strip, in order to allow farmers to access their fields. This was considered an initial step that was taken to enable farmers to work towards re-cultivation.

“The areas covered by rubble are estimated to be around 5,000 square acres and it is also estimated that the project will cost $0.5 million. We expect that it will take two weeks to complete this project,” Seif added, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Israel launched an attack on Gaza on July 7 in attempt to stop fighters in Gaza from launching rockets on Israeli territory. The offensive on the Strip, which is home to approximately 1.9 million people, lasted 51 days and killed 2,165 Palestinians and wounded 11,000 others.

According to statistics released by the Palestinian Ministry for Public Works and Housing, the war destroyed nearly 9,000 homes and partially destroyed 8,000 others.

Data released by the Israeli government showed that 68 Israeli military personnel and four civilians were killed during the war, while a further 2,522 were injured, 740 of which were military officials.

The two sides reached a long-term truce on August 26 under Egyptian auspices. Both sides agreed to a ceasefire as well as opening commercial crossings in and out of Gaza. Israeli and Palestinian officials are scheduled to reconvene next week in order to discuss a prisoner exchange deal. (T/P3/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)