The United Nations is launching its biggest humanitarian appeal ever, seeking 5.2 billion US dollars (£3.3 bn) to fund relief operations for Syria until the end of the year, Belfast Telegraph said.

The figure presented at an international conference in Geneva today (June 7) is a sharp increase from the three billion dollars (£1.93bn) the global body had previously estimated it would need this year.

Officials say the calculation is based on the worsening security situation inside Syria, the sharp increase in people fleeing to neighbouring countries, and the assumption that the conflict won't end soon.

UN aid agencies and independent relief organisations are asking for 2.98 billion dollars to help refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt.

They are also requesting 1.4 billion dollars (£900 million) to pay for aid operations inside Syria. The Jordanian and Lebanese governments are seeking 830 million dollars (£533 million).