29-03-2024 02:23 AM Jerusalem Timing

Egypt Will Host Gaza Conference

Egypt Will Host Gaza Conference

Envoys from dozens of countries will gather Sunday for a conference that aims to raise billions of dollars to rebuild conflict-battered Gaza, despite fears of renewed Israeli attacks and "donor fatigue".

Envoys from dozens of countries will gather Sunday for a conference that aims to raise billions of dollars to rebuild conflict-battered Gaza, despite fears of renewed Israeli attacks and "donor fatigue".

The United Nations' Palestinian refugee agency has described the financial needs as "unprecedented" ahead of the Cairo meeting, which follows the Strip's third war in six years.

About 50 countries will be represented in Cairo for talks that will include UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, US Secretary of State John Kerry, 30 foreign ministers and various international monetary and humanitarian bodies.

The Palestinians have called for more than $4 billion (3.2 billion euros) in aid, and the Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA for $1.6 billion.

Other estimates suggest up to $8 billion will be needed to repair damaged infrastructure and homes, and ensure healthcare, education and clean drinking water.

The bloody 50-day Israeli offensive on Gaza militants left almost 2,200 Palestinians martyred and around 11,000 others injured.

The war, which ended with a ceasefire on August 26, also left 100,000 Gazans homeless.

More than a quarter of the Strip's population of 1.7 million was displaced.