Irish Emergency Alliance Gaza Appeal
The people of Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon need your help. And they need it right now.
Constant bombardment for the past year has destroyed homes and families. Most people in Gaza have had to flee all they know to find safety. Over 40,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed by bullets and bombs, with nearly 100,000 more injured. Over 10,000 more are still missing and presumed to be under the rubble.
Healthcare has become next to impossible. People are living in cramped, squalid conditions, and are dying from the spread of disease. Nearly half a million people- including young children- are on the brink of starvation and don't know where their next meal will come from. Some families are surviving on mouldy bread and rainwater.
While all eyes are on Gaza, the world must not ignore the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the West Bank following a large-scale military offensive as well as an increasing number of settler attacks. Large numbers have also fled southern Lebanon in recent days following an intense bombardment that has killed hundreds.
There is nowhere on earth more dangerous to be a child. Thousands have been orphaned in the chaos and violence. Children are traumatised and alone.
“My father was killed. We are living days that no one expected. It is not normal at all, fear and terror. I mean these are days that no one could have anticipated.”
Fourteen-year-old Amal's home was bombed, she had her leg amputated and lost her father. Over 19,000 children have lost one or both parents and more than 3,000 children have had limbs amputated, often without anaesthetic.
After a year of untold suffering, the need for emergency aid to Gaza is greater than ever. We are also witnessing an unfolding humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and Lebanon. That’s why we’ve joined forces with five of Ireland’s leading aid agencies through the Irish Emergency Alliance to respond to the worsening humanitarian crisis.
Your strength and generosity can stand alongside the brave humanitarian workers, who keep responding in Gaza as well across the occupied Palestinian territory, even in the midst of the most desperate circumstances. Day in and day out, they work tirelessly to provide food, shelter, blankets, essential medical supplies and healthcare to those in need, as well as offering emotional and psychological support to terrified children, women and men. Often displaced multiple times themselves, the brave humanitarian workers that you fund will not stop responding. So long as aid can reach them, they will not stop. They know they can save lives.
But time is running out. Every minute counts. Children are dying every day. But we have confidence that the generous people of Ireland - people just like you - will meet this moment again. So, please give generously today.
Your support can help save lives today.
Irish Emergency Alliance
The Irish Emergency Alliance unites seven leading Irish humanitarian agencies who raise funds, pool resources, and save more lives together when an emergency strikes.
How we work in emergencies
When emergencies hit, children are often the most at risk. That’s why we need to be there – in places torn apart by disasters and conflict.
We respond all over the world
During 2020, we helped over 27 million people in emergencies across 48 countries - that’s 74,000 people each day. We respond to humanitarian crises caused by conflict as well as natural disasters.
We respond quickly
We’re one of the first organisations on the ground when an emergency strikes. Within 72 hours of a disaster, we can deliver lifesaving supplies anywhere in the world – often even sooner.
We help rebuild lives
In the wake of a disaster, we stay to help rebuild the lives of children, families, and communities. We also help to build resilience so that if another disaster strikes, they are better able to cope.
Your support is needed now more than ever
Violence
Constant bombardment since last October has destroyed homes and families. Most people in Gaza have had to flee all they know to find safety. Over 40,000 people, many of them women and children, have been killed by bullets and bombs, with nearly 100,000 more injured. Over 10,000 more are still missing and presumed to be under the rubble.
Health Care
Healthcare has become next to impossible. People are living in cramped, squalid conditions, and are now dying from the spread of disease too. Food and resources are scarce, so families - including young children - are on the brink of starvation and don't know where their next meal will come from. Some families are surviving on mouldy bread and rainwater.
Violence and psychosocial issues
There is nowhere on earth more dangerous to be a child. Thousands have been orphaned in the chaos and violence. Children are traumatised and alone.
“My father was killed. What can I say? We are living days that no one expected. It is not normal at all, fear and terror. I mean these are days that no one could have anticipated.” Fourteen year old Amal lost her father, her home and had her leg amputated as a result of the violence and bombing.
Education
In Gaza, over 600,000 children have missed a year of school and in the West Bank, violence, checkpoints and the economic crisis, has created an unprecedented education crisis.