DEC announces Gaza Crisis Appeal

Press release 7 August 2014

The Disasters Emergency Committee has today [Thursday] announced that it will launch an appeal on Friday 8 August for people affected by the conflict in Gaza. Donations are already being accepted via the DEC website and 24 hour donations line.
 
The appeal is being launched after hundreds of thousands of people fled their homes with many needing not only shelter but food, water, household items and often medical care.  There are now 65,000 people in Gaza who have seen their homes severely damaged or destroyed. 
 
Although there is only a temporary truce, DEC member agencies are rapidly increasing the level of assistance they are providing.  Some agencies had worked through the fighting despite the considerable risks involved and others have responded when and where lulls in the fighting allow.
 
Aid delivered so far includes:

  • Oxfam is delivering safe water to up to 175,000 people per day
  • British Red Cross partners are supporting emergency medical services.

DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said:
 
“After four weeks of terrible fighting Gaza is on the edge. Over half a million people have been forced from their homes, and one and a half million people have no or very limited access to water or sanitation. Many people are living in terribly overcrowded UN shelters, but they still need food and basic household items which we take for granted. Many are in urgent need of medical care, but hospital supplies are almost finished.
 
“Even before the conflict began the people of Gaza were close to breaking point. Now we are seeing a humanitarian emergency affecting virtually every man, woman and child in Gaza. The DEC’s member agencies and their partners are on the ground but they need funds to meet the huge needs. They are relying on the generosity of the British people to make a difference in Gaza.”
 
All major broadcasters will be carrying the DEC appeal including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky. 
 
To make a donation to the DEC Gaza Crisis Appeal visit http://www.dec.org.uk, call the 24 hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900, donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque. You can also donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000. 
 
What your money will buy:

  • £25 can buy 150 bandages
  • £50 can feed five families for a day
  • £100 can provide an emergency shelter kit and blankets for one family

Stay up to date with developments in Gaza, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts with the DEC on Twitter or on Facebook.
 
END
 
Notes to editors:
 
• The DEC brings 13 leading UK aid charities together in times of crisis: ActionAid UK, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, Care International, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Plan UK, Save the Children, Tearfund and World Vision; all collectively raising money to reach those in need quickly.
• 11 DEC agencies are currently supporting work or planning to work inside Gaza.  Many DEC agencies are working through carefully vetted and monitored partner agencies.
• To make a postal donation make cheques payable to ‘DEC and mail to ‘PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA’.  
• Donations can be made at any high street bank and at Post Office counters.
• To donate £5 by text send the word SUPPORT to 70000.  The full £5 will go to the DEC Gaza Crisis Appeal. Donors must be 16 years or over and have bill payer’s permission. Texts are free and donations will be added to the bill. (Customer service number 0844 800 4884.)