The news comes as experts warn of 'catastrophic' hunger in Gaza, with famine a real danger. 

A new food security forecast released by the global food monitor the IPC on 17th October show the risk of famine in Gaza persists, with the number of people facing ‘catastrophic’ levels of hunger expected to nearly triple between November 2024 and April 2025. 

From now until August 2025, it is estimated that there will be 60,000 cases of malnutrition in children between six months and five years-old. Deaths from malnutrition have been reported in Gaza for several months now.  

Within 24 hours of the launch the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Middle East Humanitarian appeal has raised £8.8 million.

DEC nationwide television and radio broadcast appeals were broadcast live on BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 5 featuring artists Adjoa Andoh, David Morrissey, Myleene Klass and Ruth Wilson. 

This total includes generous donations from the UK public, DEC corporate partners and longstanding supporters. Donations to this appeal from the UK public are still being matched pound for pound by the UK government, as part of its aid match scheme.  

To mark the launch of the Middle East Humanitarian Appeal, the DEC hosted an online press conference. Speakers at the conference included: 

In the UK: Saleh Saeed, CEO, Disasters Emergency Committee & Madara Hettiarachchi, Director of Programmes and Accountability, Disasters Emergency Committee

Just back from Gaza: Rachael Cummings, Humanitarian Director, Save the Children. Recently returned from Gaza, speaking from the UK

In Lebanon: Gheith Bittar, Executive Director of SHIFT, ActionAid’s local partner in Lebanon  

In the West Bank: Rasha Bakeer, Director of Partnerships and International Cooperation for Palestine Red Crescent Society. 

The Disasters Emergency Committee has launched the Middle East Humanitarian Appeal.

DEC CEO Saleh Saeed said: “DEC member charities are responding right now in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank, providing lifesaving food, water, shelter and medicine – this humanitarian support is a vital lifeline for millions of people in overwhelming need of assistance.”

The UK Government will match the first £10million of donations from the British public to the DEC’s Middle East Humanitarian Appeal to provide vital humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict.