# Regulators urge safer giving to help people impacted by humanitarian crisis in the Middle East

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/10/17/regulators-urge-safer-giving-middle-east-crisis/
- Published: 2024-10-17T23:52:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**The Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Fundraising Regulator have
published advice on how people can help civilians impacted by the ongoing conflict
in the Middle East, urging the public to give through registered charities.**

The advice was published on 17 October 2024 as the [Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) launched a humanitarian appeal](https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/middle-east-humanitarian-appeal)
to help civilians affected by crises in Gaza and Lebanon. DEC brings together 15
leading registered UK aid charities to raise funds in times of overseas crisis.

The government pledged to **match donations received by the DEC appeal up to £10
million**, doubling the impact of public generosity.

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## Advice from two charity sector regulators

**David Holdsworth**, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, said registered
charities with experience working in complex and dangerous circumstances across 
borders are the best organisations to support financially to ensure donations reach
civilians in need.

 * **[Government advises public to donate cash in civil emergencies](https://fundraising.co.uk/2026/10/23/government-advises-public-to-donate-cash-in-civil-emergencies/)(
   23 October 2026)**

**Gerald Oppenheim**, Chief Executive of the Fundraising Regulator, advised that
supporting registered charities with established infrastructure in the region ensures
donations reach those who need them.

The regulators advised the public to give safely by donating through the DEC emergency
appeal, checking that other charities are registered, looking for the Fundraising
Badge, contacting charities directly to understand how they spend funds, and verifying
charity names and registration numbers on the Charity Register.

Charities with an annual income of £5,000 or more must be registered in England 
and Wales. There are separate registers for charities in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

 * **[DEC launches Gaza crisis appeal](https://fundraising.co.uk/2009/01/22/dec-launches-gaza-crisis-appeal/)(
   22 January 2009)**
 * **[Charities launch Israel and Gaza fundraising appeals](https://fundraising.co.uk/2023/10/13/charities-launch-israel-gaza-fundraising-appeals/)(
   13 October 2023)
 * **[Major charities issue urgent statement calling on global leaders to protect northern Gaza](https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/10/15/major-charities-issue-urgent-statement-calling-on-global-leaders-to-protect-northern-gaza/)(
   15 October 2024)**