RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — A major Islamic organization says it will raise $70 million for humanitarian relief in Syria, estimating that some 1 million people there are in need of aid.
The Jiddah-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation — comprised of 57 Muslim majority nations, including Syria — says the aid will include food and medical supplies.
OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said Saturday some of the help will go to Syrian farmers and those displaced by violence. OIC representatives visited Syria last month.
A revolt against the Syrian regime began in March 2011 with mostly peaceful protests, but the violent government crackdown has led many to take up weapons. Both sides have agreed to a cease-fire, to take effect next week.
