Urgent Need for Humanitarian Support

On October 7, Hamas launched a major rocket and a series of ground attacks on neighbouring Israel.  Israel responded with a series of air strikes and a declaration of war on the densely populated Gaza Strip.  Heavy bombardments continue and people living in the north have been instructed by Israel to evacuate.  By October 24, 1,400 Israeli citizens have been killed in the conflict.  By October 24, 5,791 people had been killed in Gaza, of whom 68% are women and children.

The airstrikes have destroyed schools, healthcare facilities, telecommunication infrastructure and many homes.  Israel has retaliated by cutting off water and electricity supplies to Gaza.  It has closed all borders and is bombing the southern border region with Egypt.  Tensions are increasing in the West Bank and Jerusalem, resulting in further casualties.

The need for a ceasefire is urgent but so is a humanitarian corridor to get vital supplies into Gaza.

Over one million people have been displaced, around half the popualtion.  They are in urgent need of food, water, shelter and safety. 

Please donate what you can today.

“The people of Gaza are living in harrowing conditions with limited resources, and we cannot stand idly by while they suffer…  Our collective efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of those trapped in this nightmarish situation.”
DSPR.

Our Response

Donations to the Gaza Palestine Emergency Appeal will support our local partner the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR)  to meet people’s urgent needs.

DSPR is preparing to help many more people with:

• food
• hygiene kits
• shelter
• medications and medical treatment
• psychosocial support

DSPR runs three health clinics: Darraj, Shiijaya and Rafah in Gaza and will work with three hospitals in Jerusalem.  The main office in Gaza was badly damaged in the early days of the war and needs to be repaired before it can be used.  The homes of staff and Board members have also been bombed, leaving them in urgent need of shelter.  ACT Alliance is responding.

CWS was horrified by the attack on the Al Ahli Arab Hospital.  Our partner church, the Anglican Missions Board is appealing for this hospital, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

CWS is a member of the newly formed Emergency Alliance, a group of eight New Zealand organizations that collect funds to help people affected by disasters and conflicts worldwide. The Emergency Alliance is currently raising money to assist people living in Gaza.  It is an easy and effective way to support people affected by conflict and disasters.

For Churches

Download this Slide as PDF or PNG..

Thanks to B’tselem, DSPR, MECC and social media for the images.