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INTERNATIONAL donors at a Kuwait conference have pledged almost $US1 billion ($A960.5 million) in aid for stricken Syrians, as UN chief Ban Ki-moon warned of a "catastrophic" situation in their war-torn country.

"Total pledges so far are around $US1 billion," a Gulf official said on Wednesday, adding that Saudi Arabia pledged $US300 million after Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates each pledged a similar amount.

Addressing the conference in Kuwait City, Ban called for urgent financial aid, warning that if funds were not forthcoming "more Syrians will die".

But he stressed that humanitarian assistance would not resolve the crisis which required a political solution.
"The situation in Syria is catastrophic," the UN chief said as he urged all parties to stop the killings.

Ban said half of Syria's hospitals and a quarter of its schools had been destroyed while other vital infrastructure had been badly affected.

Host Kuwait was first to make a pledge, offering $US300 million, followed soon after by the UAE, another oil-rich Gulf country, which according to the official WAM news agency pledged a further $US300 million.

Kuwait Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah said "horrifying reports" are a "cause for concern over the security of Syria, its future ... and over the security and future of the region."


He held the Syrian regime responsible for the tragic situation which he said resulted from its "rejection of the just popular demands and of Arab and international initiatives."

Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa said the tiny Gulf kingdom would offer $US20 million while the German foreign ministry pledged about 10 million euros ($A13 million).

UN humanitarian aid chief Valerie Amos said three million Syrians have fled their homes inside the country and at least 2.3 million need basic help.

She said $US519 million of the funds will assist those most affected by the conflict.

King Abdullah II of Jordan and Lebanese President Michel Sleiman have both called for more aid to cope with increasing numbers of Syrian refugees in their countries.

The United States on Tuesday promised another $US155 million to aid refugees fleeing the deadly conflict.