Some 2,400 African refugees have crossed the border into Israel from Egypt since the beginning of 2008, officials told Haaretz on Thursday.

The total number of African refugees that have successfully entered Israel is estimated at 6,000.

A large number of the refugees are in Tel Aviv. According to Elisheva Milikovsky, a volunteer who works with the refugees, there are some 2,600 African refugees in Tel Aviv.

Many of these refugees live in abysmal conditions at shelters and parks spread throughout south Tel Aviv.

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai announced on Tuesday that the refugees will be moved to a new tent compound with improved conditions.

Tents will be set up in the wooded area between Herzl Street and the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kabir, and will house some 700 people. The municipality has made assurances no trees will be cut when setting up the compound in this southern part of the city.

"The idea is to erect a sophisticated tent city," Yael Dayan, Tel Aviv deputy mayor in charge of refugee affairs, said. "Due to government inaction, we will make the refugees' living conditions humane."

The compound will have running water, electricity, and air conditioning. Showers and toilets will be set up, as well as a large kitchen facility. Beds from the currently operating shelters will be moved to the compound, in addition to other necessities.

Over the past two weeks, conditions for refugees staying in Tel Aviv have worsened. Last week, some 60 refugees were evicted from a building they were temporarily staying at on Motzkin Street in north-central Tel Aviv. After seeking accommodation in south Tel Aviv, they were informed that the shelters there were full. As a result, they were sent to live temporarily in Haatzmaut Gardens near the beach.

© Copyright 2008 Haaretz. All rights reserved