Rapid response as NGOs work tirelessly in the region

Scots have contributed more than £2 million to the Disasters Aid Committee’s Middle East Humanitarian fund after it launched last week.

Cash raised from the appeal has already been distributed to member charities — including British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Save the Children and Tearfund.

Some £200,000 has been donated by the Scottish Government through its Humanitarian Emergency Fund. 

Rob Murray, director for Scotland of DEC member charity British Red Cross said: “It’s amazing that Scotland has once again responded so generously to this appeal. To raise more than £2 million shows the empathy and compassion felt by people across Scotland. 

“Despite the extraordinary challenges and risks, these donations will help the British Red Cross and other DEC member charities reach people Gaza, Lebanon and across the region. For all this support we say a huge thank you.

"Support the appeal by texting ‘HOPE’ to 70676 and make a difference today.” 

DEC brings together 15 organisations with six members fundraising in Scotland: British Red Cross, Oxfam, Islamic Relief, Save the Children, Tearfund and Christian Aid.

More than £20m has been raised in total for the rgion by the appeal with a new video launched this week highlighting the scale of the emergency.

DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said: “I am humbled by the unfailing compassion of so many people who have rallied in support of this appeal to extend their help to the millions of people in need across Gaza, Lebanon and the wider region.

“Funds raised from this appeal are already enabling DEC charities to extend lifesaving humanitarian assistance and help to alleviate suffering across the region.

“This scale-up of their response would not be possible without the generosity of the British public and so many organisations who are giving their support to the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal.”