British aid agency launches Gaza emergencyappeal

British aid agencies have launched an emergency appeal for people affected by the conflict in Gaza. The Disasters Emergency Committee said, “After four weeks of terrible fighting… over half a million people have been forced from their homes.” The DEC said its member charities were “rapidly increasing” the assistance provided during the current ceasefire. The BBC and Sky chose not to broadcast a DEC Gaza appeal in 2009. The BBC said the current situation was different. More than 1,800 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and 67 Israelis, mainly soldiers, have died in the conflict and an estimated 520,000 have fled their homes. The DEC said that after a month of fighting the “humanitarian emergency” in Gaza was affecting every inhabitant. Many people have no access to water or sanitation, said the DEC. The DEC, an umbrella organisation which brings together 13 UK aid charities to deal with international crises, said donations were already being accepted through its website and using a 24-hour phone line. It will broadcast an emergency appeal on the major television networks on Friday. DEC chief executive Saleh Saeed said, “After four weeks of terrible fighting Gaza is on the edge. Over half a million people have been forced from their homes, and one and a half million have no or very limited access to water or sanitation. “Many people are living in terribly overcrowded UN shelters, but they still need food and basic household items which we take for granted. Many are in urgent need of medical care, but hospital supplies are almost finished. “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.”