Israel is opening the border of the Gaza Strip to allow a one-off delivery of 310 tonnes of cement and some steel. The building materials are to be used for the restoration of a number of agreed sites, including a flour mill and a cemetery.

Many of Gaza's buildings were destroyed during December's Israeli offensive targetting Hamas. The continuing Israeli blockade of the territory means there is a shortage of building materials for restoration work.

Israel is facing intense international pressure to ease the blockade. The Israeli government, however, insists the blockade is necessary to prevent goods entering the Gaza Strip which could be used by Hamas to manufacture weapons.

photo: Gaza after Israeli offensive (EPA)