Tear Fund Launches Emergency Appeal for Gaza
As the death toll surpasses 1000 in Gaza, TEAR Fund has launched an appeal to help civilians caught up in the conflict
between Israel and Palestine.
TEAR Fund CEO and chairman of the NGO Disaster Relief Forum Ian McInnes said, the loss of civilian lives, especially the
high number of children and civilians, was heart-breaking and urgent action was required to relieve the suffering and
end the bloodshed.
“Our hearts go out to those suffering in this conflict, and we urge political leaders to pressure the two sides to find
a solution to bring a swift end to the present conflict.” He said, TEAR Fund had been working in this region for many
years with organisations committed to bridging understanding between Israelis and Palestinians with some success, but
unless the heart of the problems were not tackled, conflicts would continue to erupt.
TEAR Fund is working with its partner in Gaza to enable families to provide for their basic needs and is looking at ways
to support families in Gaza when the hostilities end.
TEAR Fund will assist with immediate relief to the most vulnerable families by providing cash-care packages in order to
enable families to purchase medical supplies, food and to meet the costs of new accommodation where their housing has
been destroyed in the conflict.
Mr McInnes said, once the latest escalation in violence had settled and Gaza was more accessible, TEAR Fund would also
undertake longer-term recovery activities.
To give to this appeal Kiwis can visit tearfund.org.nz or phone 0800 800 777.
ENDS