GAZA, March 18 (Xinhuanet) -- The United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) said Thursday in a report that the Israel Army demolished 31 Palestinian houses in less than 24 hours on Wednesdayin the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah.

    The report said the Israel Army on Wednesday razed 31 houses of 47 Palestinian families comprising 165 members and partially damaged six other houses sheltering about 77 Palestinians.

    UNRWA said it will provide financial assistance estimated at 500US dollars and food to each affected family by next Sunday.

    The Israel Army carried out on Wednesday morning a widespread military operation in Block (O) in Rafah near the border with Egypt, demolishing many Palestinians' houses and killing five Palestinians, including two children.

    Meanwhile, witnesses said the Israeli military made widespread destruction in the area, particularly in its infrastructure with bulldozers tearing down houses, electricity and water networks, as well as damaging the streets and sanitations.

    Palestinian security sources and witnesses said the Israel Army barred Palestinians from evacuating their contents before their demolition. Enditem