The Australian government announced on Sunday that it will offer 20 million Australian dollars (US$12.9 million) to reconstruct Gaza strip which was devastated by the Israeli and Palestinian conflict more than two months ago.

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said in a statement that he would make the commitment during an international donors' conference in Egypt on Monday.

"Australia's funding will support the efforts of the Palestinian Authority, United Nations agencies, the World Bank and other donors to restore shelter and basic services for thousands of Gaza residents displaced by the conflict," Smith said.

The 20 million dollars brings Australian assistance to the Palestinian territories to 75 million Australian dollars (US$48 million) since December 2007.

(Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2009)