United Nations, September 10 (RHC)-- The United Nations has called damage in the war-torn Gaza "unprecedented" after 50 days of bombardment by Israel against the Palestinian territory. The UN and the Palestinian government released a new appeal on Tuesday, calling for $551 million in aid for the Gaza Strip.

"The scope of damage and devastation is unprecedented in the Gaza Strip. The crisis is far from over," said James Rawley, the world body's humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories. Rawley also called for the "full lifting of the blockade."

Mohammed Mustafa, the Palestinian deputy prime minister, said that at least $550 million was needed for food aid, access to clean water, healthcare, and education in the coastal enclave. Mustafa said: "We challenge the world to be ambitious and daring in helping us realize recovery, reconstruction and a better future for Gaza."