At the heart of the lifesaving aid being delivered by DEC charities and their partners in Gaza, are local aid workers. People who despite dealing with enormous challenges personally and professionally, continue to make incredible sacrifices to help others.

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal closed for donations at the end of 2024, having supported an estimated 8.2 million people* in the first two years of response, but DEC-funded programmes will continue until the end of August 2025, thanks to the incredible amount raised.

This Giving Tuesday, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is celebrating the amazing efforts of people around the UK who have been raising money for the Middle East Humanitarian Appeal that has now raised an incredible £35 million.

As winter approaches, nine out of ten people in Gaza are displaced, most more than once, and living in makeshift camps.

As is so often the case in humanitarian crises, women are disproportionately affected. Most have no privacy, sharing often inadequate sanitation facilities with hundreds - sometimes thousands - of others and without suitable clothing for the winter months.

Actors Bilal Hasna and Maisie Richardson-Sellers and content creator Shabaz Ali have lent their support to the appeal, and applauded the incredible dedication of local aid workers in Gaza.

Conflict in the Middle East has devastated lives. Millions of people across Gaza, Lebanon and the wider region urgently need shelter, food and basic supplies. Save lives. Donate now.

The DEC appeal has raised over £445 million and is still supporting millions of people in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

This appeal is now closed for donations, but funds will continue to be spent until the end of August 2025.