Palestinian Authority

Nearly seven months after Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip, the UNDP has begun removing some 600,000MT of rubble containing asbestos and other hazardous material. Israel's 23-day operation destroyed 4,000 housing units and damaged 40,000 homes. UNDP officer Amran el-Kharouby in Gaza said rubble was being removed from 2,533 private homes, in addition to 23 public buildings. "UNDP rubble removal teams were trained how to safely remove, store and crush hazardous material, primarily asbestos," said El-Kharouby, adding that UNDP had provided contractors with safety equipment. (IRIN)