Gaza struggles to rebuild under blockade

GAZA, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- A U.N. representative urged Israel to lift a blockade around Gaza so humanitarian aid and construction materials can reach the region.

Robert Turner, United Nations Relief and Works Agency director of operations in Gaza, visited the region Thursday and said the strip has been left destitute by Israeli shelling over the course of a two-month conflict.

"We need resources. We need funding to rebuild for both the refugees and the non-refugee families in Gaza," he told Voice of America.

The United Nations called on Israel to lift a blockade around Gaza so aid could be delivered.

"I think this is a question of what to import, but also the possibility of the people in Gaza to build a real life for themselves so they can start to produce, have their small and medium size businesses that usually flourished in this area to again be rebuilt and start to then have a decent income. This is crucial, and we will continue to address it with Israel," said Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende, who also visited Gaza this week.