RECONSTRUCTION of thousands of homes and businesses destroyed in Israel’s attack on Gaza has barely begun, a coalition of international aid groups said yesterday.

Living conditions in the territory have worsened, six months after donor countries pledged $3.5 billion (£2.4bn) for rebuilding, the aid groups warned.

The Association of International Development Agencies (Aida) called for a new approach to Gaza, pressing Israel to lift its blockade of the territory.

The blockade, which is also enforced by Egypt, has been in place since Hamas took direct control of Gaza in 2007.

The 46 aid groups said that only open borders and a durable Israel-Hamas ceasefire could bring economic, social and political stability to Gaza. Otherwise, “a return to conflict — and the cycles of damage and donor-funded reconstruction that accompany it — is inevitable,” they said.

The 2014 assault was devastating for Gaza’s 1.8 million people, killing more than 2,200 Palestinians, according to UN figures.

About 19,000 homes were destroyed or severely damaged in the territory, while another 134,000 suffered less serious damage.

About 100,000 people remain displaced, living in UN schools, tents pitched on rubble or in rented flats.

In October, donor countries and international organisations pledged $3.5bn for Gaza.

But, so far, only $945 million (£645m), or 26.8 per cent, has been released.

“Six months after the donor conference, little tangible change has taken place on the ground in Gaza and living conditions for women, girls, men and boys continue to worsen,” the groups said.

by Our Foreign Desk