Disasters Emergency Committee appeal raises over £9m for Gaza
The DEC Gaza Crisis Appeal has reached a total of just over £9m since it launched just seven days ago.
This will enable the DEC’s 13 member agencies to continue to scale up their humanitarian response for hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza, while a renewed ceasefire holds. This will involve replenishing urgently needed medical supplies, providing clean water and emergency shelter materials. In addition, agencies will begin supporting the reconstruction of essential infrastructure destroyed in the conflict, such as power supplies, water and sewage systems.
DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said:
“The money donated by the UK public is allowing our agencies to substantially boost their response, particularly during this period of relative peace. Staff and partners are working day and night to provide the urgent assistance needed for hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza.
“But the situation continues to be critical. Over 10,000 people have been injured, nearly a third of them children. Hospitals and medical teams are struggling to cope with the vast numbers of people needing medical attention. More than 100,000 people have had their homes severely damaged or even completely destroyed.
“As other high profile events in the world draw the cameras elsewhere, media interest in the Gaza crisis has understandably decreased, but we need to keep it on the map. Aid is still very much in urgent need and we encourage people not to forget what is happening there and to give as much as they can.”
Aid delivered since the current series of ceasefires began includes:
• ActionAid is helping 3,570 displaced people in Gaza City with supermarket vouchers so they can buy food and essential items like medicine and clothing. They are also providing funding for generator fuel to provide electricity and power water pumps in shelters.
• British Red Cross have been distributing house items including mattresses, blankets, hygiene kits and nappies to 47,574 people across Gaza City, Khan Younis, Deir el Balah and Rafah.
• Christian Aid and its partners have provided 100,000 people with clean water at 100 distribution points. They have distributed food and household items to 8,640 people including canned tomatoes, oil, rice, lentils, beans, sugar, salt, milk for children, sanitary pads and nappies.
• CARE International has doubled its number of mobile health teams enabling it to provide over 300 people a day with essential medical support. It is also distributing dignity kits to 2000 households, which include baby diapers, sanitary pads, soap, shampoo, towels, toothpaste, toothbrush, hair brush, children powder, wipes, toilet paper, disinfestation solution, and laundry detergent, cotton, alcohol gel, and toilet paper.
• CAFOD partners have so far reached 10,400 people through their activities on water, sanitation and hygiene. Household kits, including cooking sets, solar lanterns, and gas stove and gas cylinder have also been distributed to 6,643 people.
The DEC launched its Gaza Crisis Appeal on Friday 8th August with support from all major UK broadcasters. The appeal has been boosted by substantial support from the Department for International Development, which matched the first £2m donated by the public pound-for-pound.
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: http://twitter.com/decappeal or on Facebook via http://www.facebook.com/DisastersEmergencyCommittee
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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.)
