Appeal raises almost half a million pounds in first three days

Generous Scots have donated £434,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Gaza crisis appeal in the first three days since it was launched.

The appeal total has now reached £6million and these funds will allow the DEC’s member agencies to accelerate its humanitarian relief effort in Gaza.

Agencies and their partners are currently taking advantage of a 72-hour ceasefire to reach more of the hundreds of thousands of people in desperate need of clean water, food, shelter, medical treatment and psychological support.

DEC chair in Scotland, Neil Mathers, said: “With another ceasefire in place, DEC members are working hard to bring aid to as many of those affected in Gaza as possible.

“Key civilian infrastructure needs to be restored so the people of Gaza have access to clean water and sanitation and these plans can now be put into effect.

Our member agencies urgently need more funds to scale up their life-saving work

“We’re very grateful for the generous donations from Scots who have given almost half a million pounds in just three days. This will enable us to begin helping those who are suffering but the scale of this humanitarian crisis, after four weeks of conflict, means our member agencies urgently need more funds to scale up their life-saving work.”

Aid already delivered includes Oxfam providing safe water to up to 175,000 people per day, British Red Cross partners have reached 3,900 injured people and Save the Children has provided baby and food kits and psychological care to children.

The DEC launched its Gaza Crisis Appeal on Friday with support from all major UK broadcasters.

The appeal has been boosted by the UK Government’s department for international development, which matched the first £2m donated by the public.

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