(VOVworld) - The United Nations called on the international community Wednesday to provide 165.6 million USD in aid to Libya, where nearly half of the population has been affected by violence.

Libyans gather at a checkpoint manned by forces of Libya's unrecognised government after it was targeted by a bomb attack at Msillata, near Khoms, on November 24, 2015 (AFP Photo/Mahmud Turkia)

Ali al-Zaatari, the world body's humanitarian coordinator for the North African country, told a news conference in the Tunisian capital that the amount of requested funds, which is modest in comparison with what is spent on armaments, is necessary to avoid worsening the humanitarian crisis in Libya. Zaatari also called for a humanitarian ceasefire and for opening up corridors so that aid can reach those in need.