GAZA, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was in Gaza Tuesday to survey damage from the three-week conflict between Israel and Hamas terrorists.
Hamas supporters rallied in the city of Gaza before Ban's visit, his first since taking office nearly two years ago, CNN reported.
Humanitarian groups estimated it would cost billions of dollars to rebuild Gaza's infrastructure damaged or destroyed during Operation Cast Lead.
Ban said he would visit the United Nations' Gaza facilities, which were damaged by Israeli airstrikes, media reports said.
Ban also met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert during his visit to the region.
A spokesperson for the U.N. secretary-general said Ban expressed relief that Israel declared a cease-fire and stressed the importance of the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, CNN said. Ban's spokesperson said he also told Olmert that the United Nations would play a key role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians living in Gaza, as well as in long-term recovery and reconstruction.
