DAVOS, January 29, 2009 (WAFA)- The United Nations launched, Thursday, an appeal for $613 million to help people affected by
The appeal will cover requirements of the UN and other aid agencies for the next six to nine months and cover critical areas such as food, water, sanitation, health care and shelter, as well as support basic services, such as education.
The funds will also help to remove the debris of war, including unexploded ordnance, finance emergency repairs for basic infrastructure, and provide psychological help for the victims. An appeal for longer-term needs will be launched later. With the help of this $613 million appeal, the United Nations and other aid agencies can jump into action to help the 1.4 million civilians in the Gaza Strip to recover
'With the help of this $613 million appeal, the United Nations and other aid agencies can jump into action to help the 1.4 million civilians in the Gaza Strip to recover,' Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a news conference on the situation in
Ban, who saw the devastation wrought by
'People have lost their families. They have lost their homes, belongings and livelihoods. Schools, clinics, factories and businesses have been destroyed. Many of
'By answering the call of this appeal, in the amount of $613 million, the world can help overcome at least some measure of their hardship,' the Secretary-General stated.
Ban was joined by Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes, who recently returned from a needs assessment mission to
Holmes has repeatedly called on