Residents of Gaza’s Shajaia neighborhood and nearby areas are refusing to enter into caravan homes donated to Gaza by the Turkish Government ahead of winter. According to Housing and Public Works Minister Mufeed Al-Hassayna, tens of thousands of homes must be restored and rebuilt following the warfare with Israel this summer, Operation Protective Edge.

UN Mideast Envoy Robert Serry is working as the international organization is overseeing efforts to rebuild Gaza. He reports agreement has been reached to permit importing materials into Gaza to rebuild and repair 25,000 homes. Al-Hassayna explains that in the coming days, the names of those eligible for the assistance to rebuild their homes will be announced. The housing minister adds that Qatar has pledged to spend $1.4 million for 100 temporary housing units.

A Maariv report quoting Gaza resident “Ibrahim” explains that residents are remaining in bombed out buildings despite the winter climate for they fear if they move into the caravan homes that situation will become permanent.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)