UN chief in Gaza to launch reconstruction process

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon Tuesday arrived in the Gaza Strip to launch a reconstruction process in the coastal enclave.

Ban's convoy passed through Erez crossing point between Israel and the northern tip of Gaza and is scheduled to stay in the territory for several hours, Xinhua reported.

The UN chief headed to Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza to check a school run by the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which was hit during the 50-day Israeli offensive on Gaza that ended Aug 26.

A Norwegian-sponsored donor conference was held in Egypt's capital Cairo Sunday, which raised $5.4 billion for Gaza's reconstruction.

Meanwhile, Hussein al-Sheikh, the liaison chief in the Palestinian Authority, said in an emailed press statement that "construction raw-material will be allowed to the Gaza Strip and the process of reconstruction will be launched today".

"Cement, gravel and iron are to be allowed in Gaza through Kerem Shalom in coordination with the UN," he said, adding that "cement will be delivered to the private sector in accordance to the agreed upon mechanism".