clearing

However, experts have warned that clearing brush is not the same as large-scale logging or thinning, which some say can make the landscape more flammable.

Though the clearing of rubble is expected to be over by the end of the year, few expect large-scale rebuilding to follow anytime soon.

There have also been calls in the House of Commons to involve the Army in clearing up, amid reports of an increase in rats and concerns about public health.

"In northern Gaza, our troops are operating against terrorist targets, clearing the area, and dismantling terrorist infrastructure."

Mr Cotton said a lot of the difficulty in clearing the waste in the streets had been caused by staff on picket lines who, he said, were preventing vehicles from getting out of depot.