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UN Asks Davos for $613M in Gaza Aid

Funds would provide immediate aid, more money needed for long-term

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Jan 29, 2009 9:24 AM CST

(Newser) – The UN asked attendees at the Davos economic forum for $613 million to address “massive and multi-faceted” needs resulting from recent violence in Gaza, the BBC reports. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon says the funds will provide medical care and clean water for 6-9 months. As fresh violence heightened the need for relief, the agency also asked Israel to lift its Gaza blockade.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

A Palestinian inspects the rubble of a metal workshop after an Israeli missile strike today. Fresh violence sparked concern of a collapse of the unilateral ceasefires. (AP Photo)

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon visited Gaza after the ceasefires and says the region needs urgent help. (AP Photo)

The funds will "help overcome at least some measures of this hardship," Ban says. (AP Photo/Keystone, Alessandro Della Bella)

Palestinian students study in a classroom damaged in an Israeli army strike earlier this month. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

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Save the Children is among the aid agencies sending aid into Gaza. "Our immediate focus is on meeting the life-saving needs of children and their families," the team leader says. (istca)

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UN Asks Davos for $613M in Gaza Aid