This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/7857874.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
UN to launch huge appeal for Gaza UN launches $613m appeal for Gaza
(20 minutes later)
The UN will launch an appeal for $613m to help people affected by Israel's military offensive in Gaza.The UN will launch an appeal for $613m to help people affected by Israel's military offensive in Gaza.
"These needs are massive and multi-faceted," the body's top official Ban Ki-Moon is quoted saying at the World Economic Forum in Davos."These needs are massive and multi-faceted," the body's top official Ban Ki-Moon is quoted saying at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
He added that funds would be used to "help overcome at least some measures of this hardship".He added that funds would be used to "help overcome at least some measures of this hardship".
The announcement came amid fears of a collapse of unilateral ceasefires by the Israel army and Hamas militants.The announcement came amid fears of a collapse of unilateral ceasefires by the Israel army and Hamas militants.
Two rockets have been fired at Israel, while air strikes hit southern Gaza.Two rockets have been fired at Israel, while air strikes hit southern Gaza.
UN Secretary-General Mr Ban visited Gaza after the ceasefires; he said help was urgently needed and he had been deeply moved by what he saw.
The appeal is reported to cover requirements of the UN and other aid organisations for the next six to nine months and will provide everything from medical care to clean water.
He told reporters that an appeal for longer-term needs will be launched later.
The Israeli offensive in Gaza killed about 1,300 Palestinians, of whom 412 were children; 21,000 homes were destroyed or badly damaged. Thirteen Israelis were killed.