DEC to launch Gaza crisis appeal
Howard Lake | 7 August 2014 | News
The Disasters Emergency Committee will tomorrow launch an appeal tomorrow for people affected by the conflict in Gaza.
The group of charities decided to launch the appeal after hundreds of thousands of people fled their homes, many of them lacking not just shelter but also food, water, household items or medical care. The charity says that the homes of 65,000 people in Gaza have been severely damaged or destroyed.
DEC’s member agencies are increasing the level of assistance they are providing, despite the difficult conditions of the temporary truce. Some agencies worked throughout the fighting, others have responded when they could when the conflict subsided.
Eleven of the 13 agencies that make up the DEC are currently supporting work or planning to work inside Gaza. Many work through partner organisations.
For example, Oxfam is delivering safe water to up to 175,000 people per day, and British Red Cross partners are supporting emergency medical services.
Donations already being made
Ahead of the formal start of the appeal tomorrow, donations are already being accepted via the DEC website and 24 hour donations line.
All major broadcasters will, as usual, carry the DEC appeal. This the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky.
DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed explained the need to launch an emergency appeal, saying that after four weeks of fighting, “Gaza is on the edge” with “one and a half million people have no or very limited access to water or sanitation”.
He added:
“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.”
Advertisement
DEC appeals on Twitter
65,000 people have had their homes destroyed or damaged beyond repair. Text DEC to 70000 to give £5 #GazaCrisis pic.twitter.com/JYsRS3XQjP
— DEC (@decappeal) August 7, 2014
Around 200,000 people have been displaced and are living in crowded shelters. Please donate: http://t.co/coFcjMIme6 pic.twitter.com/zuG7cucLxt
— DEC (@decappeal) August 7, 2014
Previous DEC Gaza Crisis Appeal
The DEC last made an emergency appeal for the people in Gaza in January 2009. On that occasion the BBC chose not to air the appeal. The appeal raised £8.3 million.
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.