Israel has presented to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) detailed maps of the civilian infrastructure in Gaza and northern West Bank settlements scheduled for evacuation in mid-August, security sources said Thursday. The maps cover roads, electricity and water networks as well as other infrastructure information.

Israel and the PNA also agreed on a series of measures aimed at alleviating hardship of everyday lives of the Palestinians.

The measures include easing Palestinians' entry into Israel and extending operational hours of Karni crossing in the Gaza Strip. 

An agreement will also be struck on the renewal of summer vacation visits, which will allow Palestinians living in other Arab states to visit their families in the West Bank and Gaza.

Meanwhile, William Ward, US security coordinator in the Mid East region, praised Israel and the PNA Thursday for making joint efforts to ensure a smooth Gaza withdrawal.

During his visit to the West Bank city of Jericho, Ward said both sides have to make sure that every step creates a favorable atmosphere for the disengagement plan due on Aug. 15.

However, he expressed concern over the security situation in the Palestinian territories. "The Palestinians have to take care ofthis problem to return trust to both sides," he said.

During his visit, Ward met with Palestinian Interior Minister Nasser Youssef and inspected a security forces training camp in Jericho.

Israel plans to pull out forces and settlers from all 21settlements in the Gaza Strip and four out of 120 in the West Bankto "disengage" from conflicts with the Palestinians.

(Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2005)