Blinken calls for increased aid to Palestinians in Gaza following US-backed destruction

At a conference in Jordan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced more than $400 million in humanitarian assistance to Palestinians and urged other donors to increase their contributions.

Blinken's call for aid comes as the US continues to fund Israel's war machine which has destroyed much of the Gaza Strip and killed more than 37,000 Paletinians the majority women and children.

In May, a United Nations agency estimated that rebuilding Gaza after the destruction caused by Israel would cost $30-40 billion and require an effort on a scale unseen since World War II.

"Only one-third of the current UN appeal is funded, leaving a shortfall of approximately $2.3 billion. Every country can help fill this gap. Some have expressed great concern over the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, including countries with the capacity to give a lot, but they have provided very little or nothing at all," Blinken said.

"It is time for everyone to step up. For those who have already given generously, give more."