Fifteen UK aid charities are launching a humanitarian appeal to address the “overwhelming” need in Gaza, Lebanon and the wider Middle East.
The charities make up the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which is raising urgent funds for the millions in the region requiring food, water, shelter and medical care after fleeing their homes in search of safety.
The government has said it will match the first £10m of donations from the public.
Appeals to support the DEC’s work will be broadcast on Sky, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 on Thursday evening, while BBC radio appeals will be broadcast throughout the day.
The DEC is “monitoring the evolving situation” in Israel and several charities in the organisation are “ready to expand their response to include Israel if significant unmet humanitarian needs are identified”.
DEC chief executive Saleh Saeed said: “Millions of people, including many thousands of children, are dealing with almost unimaginable trauma.
“Many have been displaced multiple times and have no homes to return to. Now food and medical care is scarce and families face devastating choices to survive.
“DEC member charities are responding right now in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank, providing lifesaving food, water, shelter and medicine – this humanitarian support is a vital lifeline for millions of people in overwhelming need of assistance.
“But our member charities urgently need more funds to meet the huge levels of need. We are asking people to please donate now to save lives.”
Read more:
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Timeline of events in year of war in Middle East
Meanwhile, development minister Anneliese Dodds said the suffering of civilians affected by the conflict is “intolerable”.
She said: “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.”
If you want to support people in the region, there are further details of how you can do so at dec.org.uk