GAZA, Jan. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Javier Solana arrived in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday for a one-day visit, examining the destruction caused by the Israeli incursions, said Palestinian officials.

    Solana arrived in the northern Gaza Strip via the Erez crossing between Gaza and Israel.

    He paid a visit to the Om al-Nasser Bedouin town in Beit Lahia, expressing his sorrow for the damages brought forward by the latestIsraeli incursions in the village.

    "I hope that the coming days can witness rebuilding and the improvement of the living conditions of the Palestinians," Solana told reporters.

    The senior EU official is also scheduled to visit later the Jabalia refugee camp to observe the destruction there.

    Palestinian sources said the EU official is to meet with Palestinian officials to discuss the latest developments in Gaza, where conflicts between the Palestinians and Israeli appeared to escalate ahead of a planned Israeli pullout. Enditem