The Arab property tycoon, the Israeli settlements and a clever plan to boo

The Arab businessman responsible for one of the world's most ambitious urban construction projects is actively seeking to buy and redevelop land and homes to be evacuated by Gaza's 7,500 Jewish settlers later this year.

Mohamed Ali al-Alabbar, chairman of the $7bn (£3.7bn) company Emaar Properties, has begun negotiations with Ariel Sharon's office and the Palestinian Authority over his plan for what his supporters claim could transform much of Gaza, ravaged by more than four years of conflict and economic collapse, after Israel's planned disengagement.

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Mr Sneh dismissed previously expressed fears that the settlers' houses could find their way into the hands of PA leaders, saying that Mr Abbas was determined the property that Israel has said it is ready to hand over intact to an international party - would belong "to the whole Palestinian people".

Ra'anan Gissin, Mr Sharon's spokesman, said Mr Alabbar was seeking to buy land for "urban renewal" and "reconstruction of other houses" and indicated Israel had been concerned the settlers' properties should not fall into the hands of "terrorist groups".\

Independent UK