SCIAF is working with its international partners to provide vital support for those affected by heavy bombing in recent weeks
A Scottish charity has launched an urgent appeal to support the people of Gaza.
The Scottish International Aid Fund (SCIAF) is launching an urgent appeal to provide much-needed humanitarian relief for Palestinians affected by the recent conflict.
After almost two weeks of intense conflict, homes, schools and hospitals have been reduced to rubble. Trapped in one of the world’s most densely populated areas, civilians have had nowhere to flee for safety and more than 235 Palestinians have died, including 74 children and 39 women. Over 6,000 people have been injured and more than the equivalent of the population of Inverness has fled their homes. The number of casualties and displaced people continues to rise.
Through the global Caritas network, SCIAF is working with Caritas Jerusalem – an organisation with a long track record of providing essential services to the desperately poor population in Gaza. With a ceasefire agreed, they are delivering urgent aid to thousands of people affected by this conflict.
The Scottish charity is immediately sending £30K to help reach the most vulnerable people but says the need is so great that much more is urgently needed. Money raised from SCIAF’s emergency appeal will help continue to provide medical care, psychological support, food, and other essential items to people who have been traumatised by years of restrictions and violence.
Sister Bridget Tighe, secretary general of Caritas Jerusalem, said: “The bombings have been extremely heavy. The people of Gaza have lived through many wars over many years, but everyone agrees that this time it is completely different. They have been trapped in this densely populated strip of land at the mercy of intense air bombardment with nowhere to flee for safety.”
For over 14 years, Gaza has been under a total land and air blockade. Many families are unable to leave the danger behind or seek refuge in safer lands and are forced to find limited shelter wherever they can.
Alistair Dutton, director of SCIAF, said: “Even before this wave of conflict, Palestinians were living in extreme hardship with more than half of the population of Gaza (54%) struggling to feed themselves and over two thirds in need of humanitarian assistance. The UN has also stated that as much as 90% of water available in Gaza is unsafe.
“Life for Palestinians has become much harder and it will take decades for families to recover.
“We urge people in Scotland to once again do whatever they can to provide essential aid to Palestinians whose lives have been torn apart.”
