The people of Gaza and Lebanon need your help. And they need it right now.
Constant Israeli 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.
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.
While all eyes are on Gaza, the world must not ignore the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and Lebanon following Israeli military offensive, as well as an increasing number of settler attacks.
Members of the Irish Emergency Alliance and their local partners are doing all they can to help the huge numbers displaced by the intense bombardment in Lebanon in recent days, this will include supporting emergency medical services as well as providing food, mattresses and blankets.
The news is devastating. But the Irish Emergency Alliance members’ teams - ActionAid, Christian Aid, Plan International, Tearfund Ireland, Trócaire, and World Vision - are responding right now with staff and local partners on the ground.
Your strength and generosity can stand alongside the brave humanitarian workers, who keep responding in Gaza and Lebanon, 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.