How you can help people in Israel
The DEC is very concerned about the situation in Israel, and the loss of life and suffering that so many there have faced for the past 15 months.
For the hostages and their families, the ceasefire offers hope of reunion, after months of uncertainty and grief. But many still desperately await news of their loved ones, thousands have been displaced, and people are dealing with trauma after months of conflict.
Israeli civil society across the country has made immense efforts to scale up its capabilities to respond to the humanitarian and psychosocial needs. This work has been supported by charities and communities in the UK.
The DEC is very concerned about the situation in Israel, and the loss of life and suffering that so many there have faced for the past 15 months.
For the hostages and their families, the ceasefire offers hope of reunion, after months of uncertainty and grief. But many still desperately await news of their loved ones, thousands have been displaced, and people are dealing with trauma after months of conflict.
Israeli civil society across the country has made immense efforts to scale up its capabilities to respond to the humanitarian and psychosocial needs. This work has been supported by charities and communities in the UK.
Will funds from this appeal help people in Israel?
DEC appeal responses always focus on those areas where significant humanitarian needs are not being met. For this reason, at this time the majority of funds from the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal will be used to support people in Gaza and Lebanon, where millions have fled their homes, and urgently need food, water, shelter and medical care.
We will continue to monitor the situation and needs in Israel. A number of DEC charities are in a position to expand their response to include Israel should the situation change.
Are any of the DEC member charities currently working in Israel?
The British Red Cross is part of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes Magen David Adom (MDA) in Israel. Following the devastating attacks on October 7th, MDA have been treating casualties and providing lifesaving first aid. They continue to support communities every day, particularly those living near the borders with Gaza and Lebanon where fighting has intensified.
Christian Aid has been working with their local partner organisation in Israel to provide trauma based psychological assistance to people impacted by conflict.
Are any DEC member charities working on the release of hostages?
One of the DEC members is the British Red Cross, part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The ICRC, as a neutral humanitarian intermediary, facilitates the safe transfer of hostages and detainees. They helped re-unite more than 100 hostages with their families during a pause in fighting in 2023. Now, in a multi-phase operation agreed by the parties, they are helping to facilitate the ongoing exchange of hostages and detainees, as per the terms of the current ceasefire. Specialist ICRC staff, including doctors, are on-hand to provide care as needed.
Mirjana Spolijacric, president of the ICRC said: “Our teams are ready to continue to implement the agreement so that more hostages and detainees are released, and more families reunited”
How can I support people in Israel affected by the conflict?
Some of our member agencies do work closely with partners in Israel. For example, MDA is part of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. You can find out more about MDA here.
Though the DEC does not endorse humanitarian agencies outside of our membership, the Charity Commission also has a full database of UK registered charities where you can search for organisations that are specifically well placed to support these efforts in Israel.
