Gaza, Oct 20 (IANS): The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Monday called on Israel to speed up the shipment of construction raw materials to the Gaza Strip.

UNRWA said in a press release that ending the Israeli blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip is the basic key to creating job opportunities and ending years of suffering and poverty in Gaza, Xinhua reported.

Tens of thousands of houses were destroyed by missiles and bombs during the 50-day large-scale Israeli air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip which ended Aug 26.

"Within the coming few weeks, shipping construction materials and allowing these in Gaza should be eased in accordance to the agreed upon temporary mechanism reached between Israel and the Palestinians," said the statement.

Last month, the UN brokered an agreement between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority to allow the necessary construction materials into the Gaza Strip with UN monitoring.

"The Gaza Strip's populations are in need for support and concern in this crucial state of time since winter is so close," said the UNRWA statement.

Last week, international and Arab donors met in Cairo and pledged $5 billion for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also visited Gaza and announced the launching of the process.