The Palestinian Investment Fund announced Saturday that it was planning the construction of 30,000 housing units in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza.  Officials said private companies would be involved in the construction, which is expected to cost approximately $2 billion.

Members of the fund said the project was meant to solve a housing shortage in the areas.  The fund will establish a mortgage company as well, they said, to make it easier for Arab families to purchase the new homes.