​Disasters Emergency Committee Gaza crisis appeal tops £8 million

More than half a million pounds has been donated by Scots to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Gaza crisis appeal.

The appeal launched on Friday has so far raised £8 million from the UK with Scots contributing £556,000.

Following four weeks of conflict, hundreds of thousands of people are in desperate need of clean water, food, shelter, medical treatment and psychological support.

These funds will enable the DEC’s member agencies to increase their response to the humanitarian aid effort during the current 72-hour ceasefire.

DEC chair in Scotland, Neil Mathers, said: “The money is continuing to pour in from people across Scotland, both from individual donors and collections, and we’re very grateful for every penny. But the violence in Gaza has affected almost every man, woman and child there and the need for help is very high.

“We are urging the public to donate if they can and help us support people who are suffering in very difficult circumstances.”

Meanwhile in Scotland a Gaza appeal of another kind is proving successful.

Playwright David Greig has raised just under £6,500 on crowdfunding website Kickstarter to create a fund to bring Palestinian and Israeli artists who reject state funds to the Edinburgh Fringe.

The move follows on from an Israeli show The City having to be cancelled due to the noise of protests outside the Underbelly where it was staged disrupting other performances.

Greig, known for his work such as Damascus, plans to formalise Welcome to the Fringe as a charity and a trust and said if he can reach the £10,000 target then grants would be available for next year’s festival.

He added: “The ultimate aim is to generate a long running, replete fund and a support system for Palestinian artists to come to the Fringe and, where possible, to help Israeli artists to reject their state funding in coming to Edinburgh.

“We also want to form a network of artists and friends who can give those companies help in kind, mentoring, venue space and guidance.”

To make a donation to the DEC Gaza Crisis Appeal visit the DEC website, call the 24 hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900, donate over the counter at any highstreet bank or post office, or send a cheque. You can also donate £5 by texting the word DONATE to 70000.