Palestine, Israel reach Gaza reconstruction deal

(VOVworld) - The UN on Tuesday brokered a deal with Israel and Palestine to allow construction materials into the Gaza Strip to enable reconstruction efforts. UN Middle East envoy Robert Serry said the UN will provide security assurances that the materials will not be handed over to Hamas militants to build tunnels along the border with Israel. Serry said the deal requires Israel to open border crossings and allow private businesses to operate in the territory.

The same day the Israeli defense ministry's office for civil affairs in the Palestinian territories said the Israeli government has agreed to a UN initiative establishing a mechanism for rehabilitation of the Gaza Strip under the supervision and control of the UN.