The United States is promising $212 million in immediate assistance to the Palestinians as part of an international effort to rebuild the Gaza Strip after this summer's 50-day war.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says people in Gaza "need our help desperately -- not tomorrow, not next week, but they need it now."

He announced the new money at a donor conference for the Palestinians in Cairo.

The Palestinians are seeking $4 billion in international aid.