Israel restricts schools' construction in Gaza

Israel has restricted the construction of new schools in the Gaza Strip, a UN official said Sunday.

The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) planned to build eight schools in the enclave, but Israel refused to allow construction materials for four schools into Gaza, Adnan Abu Hassna, the UNRWA's spokesman, told Xinhua.

It was reported Friday that Hamas authorities had provided the UNRWA with land to build the schools near military installations for the Islamic movement.

However, Abu Hassna said the schools would be located in populated areas.

Israel relaxed Gaza blockade following international outcry against its raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in May which killed nine activists.