The United Nations has launched an emergency appeal for $613 million to help Palestinians recover from Israel's attack on Gaza. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says help is indeed urgently needed. He says he was deeply moved by his visit to Gaza and that he gave his word that the UN would help.
Ban says the appeal covers the requirements of UN and other aid organizations for the next six to nine months. It will help provide everything from medical care to clean water.
The Israeli offensive in Gaza killed nearly 1,300 Palestinians. The UN estimates at least 5,300 people were wounded and 21,000 homes were destroyed or badly damaged.
Ban told reporters at the World Economic Forum on Thursday that an appeal for longer-term needs will be launched later.