A Palestinian government delegation left Sunday for Egypt to discuss the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip after the 11-day war with Israel, according to Palestinian sources.
The sources told the German News Agency that the delegation includes officials from the ministries of public works, housing, and economy in Gaza, accompanied by the head of the Contractors Union in the Strip.
The delegation left for Egypt through the Rafah crossing on a several-hour visit.
The Ministry of Public Works and Housing in Gaza began on Friday the removal of rubble from collapsed buildings with Egyptian support to pave way for reconstruction efforts.
Egypt sent about 50 trucks to Gaza through the Rafah crossing to help with the process.
Local sources in Gaza estimate that the fighting between Israel and Hamas has left up to 300,000 tons of rubble.
The Ministry of Public Works in Gaza said that 1,200 housing units were completely demolished, 1,000 housing units were partially destroyed, and 20,000 housing units were slightly damaged.
The cost of the reconstruction of those housing units was estimated at $150 million.
Egypt sponsored the ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian factions and Israel in the Gaza Strip after the 11-day war, during which more than 250 Palestinians were killed.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian government announced that Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh is scheduled to arrive in Doha Monday on an official visit to discuss several issues, including the reconstruction of Gaza.
Shtayyeh, accompanied by Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, will hold meetings with Qatari officials to discuss the ramifications of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, including the resumption of international and Qatari aid to Palestine.
The PM will also discuss with the Qatari officials the promotion of trade between Qatar and Palestine and the creation of job opportunities for Palestinians in the Gulf country.
