The Disasters Emergency Committee’s humanitarian appeal to support victims of the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon has raised £15m since it launched last week.

The appeal was launched by the consortium aid charities including British Red Cross, Oxfam and Islamic Relief Worldwide on 17 October.

The UK government has pledged to match each pound donated by the public, up to £10m, as part of its Aid Match scheme.

The Scottish Government has donated £200,000 to the appeal through its Humanitarian Emergency Fund and the Welsh government has donated £100,000.

Donations have also been made by King Charles and Queen Camilla as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales.

It is also being backed by celebrity supporters including David Morrissey, Myleene Klass, Adjoa Andoh and Ruth Wilson, who are featuring on TV and radio appeals.

High street retailers and banks to support the appeal in branches and online include Co-operative Group, the Post Office, Morrisons, NatWest and the Co-operative Bank.

Meanwhile the appeal is being helped by Transport for London in Underground stations and by Radiocentre which is distributing the appeal via commercial radio.

Podcast platform Acast is also supporting the appeal across its content.

Funds raised will support millions of people in Gaza and Lebanon, who have been displaced and are in need food and shelter following Israeli government attacks.

Israel has been targeting communities in the regions in response to last year’s kidnappings and killings in Israel by Hamas and attacks from Hezbollah from Lebanon.

Money will also be used to support people in the West Bank, where violence has escalated amid concerns around Israeli settlers taking land from Palestinians.

Thank you! Your donations are already making a difference. Across Gaza and Lebanon, DEC member charities are working alongside trusted local partners delivering life-saving aid.

The UK Government will match pound-for-pound up to £10 million donated by the public to this appeal,… pic.twitter.com/I4HI1CzTTk

— DEC (@decappeal) October 22, 2024

“The support around the UK for this appeal is testament to the incredible compassion and generosity of the public, and we’re incredibly grateful for the amount raised so far,” said DEC chief executive Saleh Saeed.

“Millions of people across Gaza, Lebanon and the wider region are facing a humanitarian crisis at a huge scale, and funds from this appeal are already making a difference to so many people in need of urgent aid. DEC charities are scaling up their responses right now across the region, knowing they have the support of the British public to do all they can to help and reach as many of those in need as possible.”

Regulators urge safe giving

The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator have advised people looking to support communities impacted by the violence in the Middle East to give safely.

“As we’ve watched the appalling humanitarian crisis unfold in the Middle East, many of us will be asking how best to help the millions of people in need of basic aid,” said Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth.

“Registered charities with experience working in incredibly complex and dangerous circumstances, across and within borders, are the best organisations to support financially to ensure donations reach civilians in need.

“That’s why we’re reminding people to give with confidence through registered charities, including the appeal launched by the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Fundraising Regulator chief executive Gerald Oppenheim added: “The ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East is devastating for so many people.

“The generosity of the British public means that many will be eager to support those affected in any way they can.

“Supporting registered charities, which have infrastructure established within the region, ensures that your donations will reach those who need it.”

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