Israeli cabinet on Sunday approved an agreement with the Gaza settlers on the details of their relocation to the Nitzanim area after the disengagement due in mid August, local daily newspaper Ha'aretz reported.

Under the agreement, Nitzanim, the southwest coastal area of Israel, will become an independent local council if more than 5,000 settlers move there.

The agreement sets a price for the lands the settlers will receive in Nitzanim, which will be deducted from the amount of compensation they are due, said Ha'aretz.

The evacuated Gaza settlers will receive lots in Nitzanim of 320 square meters, 500 square meters or 1,000 square meters, which will be priced at 175,000 shekels (38,889 US dollars), 225,000 shekels (50,000 dollars) and 360,000 shekels (80,000 dollars) respectively.

Israel Interior Minister Ophir Pines-Paz and Environment Minister Shalom Simhon requested to overturn the decision, saying that the real value of these lands is much higher than the prices. But their objection was voted down.

Israel plans to evacuate all the 21 settlements in Gaza and four in northern West Bank in mid-August to unilaterally disengage from the Palestinians.

Source: Xinhua