Israel allows Eid cows into Gaza

Sheep or cows are traditionally slaughtered on Eid al-Adha

Israel is temporarily easing its blockade of Gaza to allow in thousands of cattle ahead of a Muslim festival.

Around 3,000 cows are expected to be shipped into the coastal territory before Eid al-Adha in late November.

Earlier, a UN humanitarian official said thousands of Gazans whose homes were destroyed in Israel's offensive in December faced another winter in tents.

The Israeli authorities have restricted the importation of building materials since imposing a blockade in 2007.

They say cement, steel and other raw materials could be used for military purposes by the Islamist group Hamas, which controls Gaza.

'Living in tents'

On Monday, 330 cows were brought into Gaza through a southern border crossing in a move that a spokesman for the Israeli military spokesman said was a "goodwill gesture".

For the people in Gaza, life is miserable, life is not getting better, winter is coming, the rain is coming Maxwell Gaylard UN Humanitarian Co-ordinator

During Eid al-Adha, Muslims who can afford to, slaughter livestock, usually sheep or cows, in remembrance of the prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to.

As a result of the Israeli blockade, most fresh meat is brought into Gaza through smuggling tunnels under the border with Egypt, which has also imposed restrictions. Live animals are scarce and expensive.

During a tour of the territory on Monday, the UN humanitarian co-ordinator for the Palestinian Territories, Maxwell Gaylard, said the border restrictions were also severely limiting the ability of people to rebuild homes destroyed in the Israel's 22-day offensive last December and January. The UN estimates around 20,000 Gaza residents were made homeless.

"We know that there are hundreds of families still living in tents. We know that there are more than that living in the ruins of their own homes," he told reporters.

The UN says 20,000 Gazans were made homeless by the Israeli offensive

"They need materials to repair their houses. They need fuel to be able to keep warm during the winter. They need good water and sanitation systems."

The UN has lobbied Israel for months to allow in materials that would allow it to complete construction projects worth $80m. Mr Gaylard said the organisation had repeatedly promised Israeli officials that they would not allow Hamas to use the materials.

"For the people in Gaza, life is miserable, life is not getting better, winter is coming, the rain is coming," he added.

Palestinians and human rights groups say more than 1,400 Gazans were killed during Israel's offensive, but Israel puts the figure at 1,166. Thirteen Israelis, including three civilians, died.