The six Scottish charities which make up the Disasters Emergency Committee in Scotland is launching a new Middle East Humanitarian Appeal in a bid to help people who have had their lives devastated by the ongoing conflict.
Over the past year, the conflict in the Middle East has turned lives upside down and millions have had to flee their homes in search of safety.
Gaza and Lebanon are two of the most affected areas with millions across both – and the wider region – in need of food, shelter and medical care.
DEC member charities are now coordinating closely with each other and local partners to provide the things that are needed to save lives.
Six of the charities leading the effort are in Scotland. They are the British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Safe The Children and Tearfund.
They are being assisted by nine other DEC members across the UK with Action Against Hunger, ActionAid UK, Age International CAFOD, Care International UK, Concern Worldwide UK, International Rescue Committee UK, Plan International and World Vision UK all involved.
In Gaza, 90% of the population has already been displaced with food and water scarce and in the West Bank, vital water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure has been damaged.
More than a million people in Lebanon have been forced to leave their homes as violence increased in the country in recent weeks too.
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Despite these challenges, 14 DEC member charities are responding in Gaza and Lebanon and eight in the West Bank,
As well as Gaza, Lebanon and in the West Bank, tens of thousands are displaced within Israel and a number of DEC charities are ready to expand their response to include the country in the future.
The appeal would see £10 be able to provide blankets for two people to keep them warm, £50 would provide emergency food for five families for one week and £100 could provide emergency shelter for five families.
The appeals will be broadcast across radio and TV and Rob Murray, the director for Scotland of the British Red Cross and spokesperson for the appeal hopes people are able to help as much as possible.
He said: “Over the past year, conflict in the Middle East has devastated lives across the region, and millions have fled their homes in search of safety. In Gaza famine is looming, clean water is scarce, and the healthcare system has all but collapsed.
“The situation in Lebanon is deteriorating and humanitarian needs are increasing at an alarming rate. DEC member charities are responding right now, providing lifesaving food, water, shelter, medicine and so much more. We’re asking people across Scotland to donate, no matter the amount, to this appeal to help provide essential humanitarian aid”
The UK Government is supporting the appeal by matching the first £10 million of donations from the British public.
Anneliese Dodds, Minister of State for Development, said: “The suffering of civilians impacted by the conflict across the Middle East is intolerable. Humanitarian support is urgently needed for the most vulnerable people. Charities play a crucial role in providing help to those most affected and need your support.
“That is why we are matching public donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Middle East Humanitarian Appeal to provide urgent humanitarian assistance up to £10m. This will be used to provide life-saving aid including medical supplies, shelter and clean water to those who need it most.”
Stay up to date with developments in the region, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts with the DEC in Scotland on X/Twitter Facebook or on Instagram. Donations can be made at www.dec.org.uk/ or by calling 0330 123 0333 or Text HOPE to 70676 to donate £10. Visit https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/middle-east-humanitarian-appeal for more information.
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