The Special Representative of the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP), Timothy Rothermil, praised the Palestinian people's achievements in the field of development.

Rothermil said, at a press conference Friday in UNDP's Jerusalem office, that the Palestinian people have shown amazing and impressive abilities in the field of development, despite being under occupation, and that if they were given freedom, they would give remarkable and unexpected results.

Rothermil also referred to the unexpected leap of Palestinian development in the past ten years, including achievements in the rule of law and human freedom, as well as the presidential elections, which proved the advanced development in democracy.

"In addition, the establishment of rules and laws for construction with pure Palestinian minds corresponds with the latest international standards - a thing that doesn't exist in many modern countries," the UNDP special representative said.

He further stressed that there was a great chance for development in Gaza Strip, adding that "there are many talented citizens, but the importance is to create an environment that makes these talents grow, and this depends basically on freedom of movement to and from Gaza."

Addressing the incitement campaign he was subjected to by members of the Jewish Lobby in North America, Rothermil said that he and the UNDP has supported Palestinian technical teams on the Israeli withdrawal as part of its support package to the Palestinian Authority, in order to give hope to the Palestinians after the Israeli withdrawal.

Rothermil started his press conference by announcing a grant of $49.7 million from the Japanese government to the Palestinian people through UNDP and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), as part of the Japanese aid package for Palestinians, which is estimated at $100 million.

He further mentioned that the this grant would fund several reconstruction and infrastructure improvement projects in Gaza, such as reconstructing Salaheddin Road with a budget of $19 million, along with the construction of a new sewage water treatment plant and main pressure pipelines in the city of Khan Younis.

The projects also include, according to Rothermil, housing projects for homeless families in Gaza Strip, establishment of water networks in Jenin and Tulkarem provinces, as well as building a courthouse complex in Jenin as well.