Gaza - Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip will begin removing the debris and rubble from December-January's 22-day conflict with Israel next week, the movement's public works minister said on Saturday.

"Next week will witness the beginning of removal of the debris of the houses that were demolished during the aggression," said Yousef al-Manssi, Hamas' public works minister. "The government will rebuild the houses with new designs."

"The government opens the door for anyone who wants to help," he added.

According to UN estimates least 14,000 buildings sustained complete or partial damage in the war which ended on January 18.

Last month, international donors pledged more than 4 billion dollars to rebuild the Gaza Strip. However, nothing has been done except urgent relief work due to the political barrier that prevents the donors from dealing with Hamas.

The International Quartet (the UN, US, EU and Russia) refuse direct links with Hamas.

In addition, Israel imposed a tight blockade on Gaza Strip in 2007, allowing little more than humanitarian aid and basic food into the coastal enclave.

Al-Manssi said that his Hamas has provided 5,000 dollars for every family that has completely lost their home, to cover rental costs during reconstruction.

Reconstruction will begin once "the crossings open and materials get in," al-Manissi said. (dpa)