UN 'shocked' by Gaza destruction

The UN's humanitarian chief has told the BBC the situation in Gaza after a three-week Israeli offensive against Hamas was worse than he anticipated.

Sir John Holmes, who visited Gaza on Thursday, said he was shocked by "the systematic nature of the destruction".

He said that the territory's economic activity had been set back by years.

Israel defends use of phosphorous


Palestinians run for cover during an Israeli strike over a UN school in Beit Lahia, 17/01
Some rights groups say images from the conflict prove the illegal use of phosphorus.

White phosphorus is legal for making smokescreens in open battleground. But rights groups and journalists say it was used in crowded civilian areas.

The weapon sticks to human skin and will burn through to the bone.

The Aftermath for Gaza, Jan. '09 Destruction Of!!

Gaza rebuild 'to cost billions'

BBC: Paul Wood sees the damage and possible evidence of white phosphorus use

Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been left homeless and 400,000 people still have no running water, it says.

A Few Gaza Facts

Gaza: It is about 41 kilometers (25 mi) long, 6 and 12 kilometers (4–7.5 mi) wide, total area of 360 square kilometers (139 sq mi).

Area - comparative: slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Population: 1,500,202 (July 2008 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 44.7% (male 343,988/female 325,856)
15-64 years: 52.7% (male 403,855/female 386,681)
65 years and over: 2.7% (male 16,196/female 23,626) (2008 est.)

Median age: 17.2 years male: 17 years female: 17.4 years total (2008 est.)

PBS News Hour: Gaza Cease-fire Emerged Amid Mix of Political, Internal Pressures

Transcript at PBS Link: Israeli officials said their military has been ordered to pull out of the Gaza Strip by Tuesday, but only if Hamas militants keep their end of this weekend's cease-fire agreements. Analysts examine where both sides stand after three weeks of fighting.