Act for Peace appeal 2021
Gaza Emergency Appeal (Act for Peace, an activity of the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia). See details of how you can support this appeal here. (Donations are tax deductible – jump onto this before the EOFY)
The scenes that unfolded in Gaza are nothing short of harrowing, as deadly airstrikes across the city brought entire buildings to the ground, with innocent civilians stuck beneath the rubble. Children, mothers, and fathers have been injured and killed. Health clinics have been providing vital medical support to some of Gaza’s most vulnerable neighbourhoods.
More than 200 Palestinians, including 60 children and 34 women have been killed in the series of airstrikes, with 1500 wounded. In Israel, 12 people died.
The medical clinics opened on Monday 24th May after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire on May 21, bringing an end to 11 days of deadly airstrike attacks. While the break in violence has offered much needed relief for families, the severe damage inflicted on Gaza’s infrastructure and people has pushed its already dire humanitarian situation to the brink. Read the full blog update here.
As anticipated, there was a huge increase in demand for their health services. As well as supporting pregnant women and sick children, the clinics provide first-aid and medicine – while stocks last – to anyone who walks through their doors.
Priorities include:
First aid and medicine to pregnant women and children affected by the crisis.
Medical treatment for sick children under six years old.
Psychosocial support to thousands of mothers and their children, including assessments, group work and individual counselling to help them navigate the distressing conditions of life in Gaza.
Pre-natal and post-natal care for pregnant womenaffected by the crisis, including lab tests, to help reduce maternal morbidity.
Funds raised in this appeal go directly to clinics, to give local communities in Gaza access to the healthcare they need. Note: any money received for the appeal goes directly to support those needing medical and psychological support, and not to general programming.