|
Children of Gaza Need Your Help Now
WESTPORT, Conn. (Dec. 29, 2008) — Concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, Save the Children is appealing for public support to help distribute emergency assistance, including hundreds of food packets and much-needed medical supplies, to children and families caught in the crossfire of recent violence in Gaza.
Even before the most recent air strikes in Gaza where it is estimated that more than 300 people, including children, have been killed, Save the Children warned that tens of thousands of children in Gaza were facing a humanitarian crisis, with little access to food, water, health care, electricity and sanitation facilities.
"The recent violence is making a very bad situation even worse," said Ned Olney, who heads emergency response for Save the Children, based in Westport, Connecticut. "We once again urge all concerned parties to help find a solution to the current political impasse that is adversely affecting the lives of nearly every child in Gaza, while also endangering the lives of Israeli children in areas subject to possible rocket attacks."
Recent reports from the United Nations show the dramatic impact of the ongoing crisis on the lives of Gaza's 1.5 million residents, including the majority of its children. Among the latest findings:
• Tens of thousands of children in Gaza City are receiving water only once a week for a few hours.
• Health care has deteriorated, and many essential medicines for children are not available.
• More than half of Gaza's children are in need of food assistance.
• Malnutrition among children is increasing with bread, fruits, vegetables and dairy products in very short supply.
• Hundreds of children have been forced out of school in search of work.
"Save the Children continues to work in Gaza under very difficult circumstances," said Olney. "We are ready to distribute hundreds of food parcels to children affected by the recent air strikes and we also plan this week to deliver additional medicines and medical supplies to local hospitals. We are targeting the critical health needs of children, including severe malnutrition and working to improve access to clean water in five areas in Gaza. We also have created a number of activities to help keep children in school and safe."
"But so much more needs to be done, and there are very few funds available for us to increase our programs or to launch new ones. That is why we are making this special appeal for help."
Save the Children needs your support to help us meet the most critical needs of children and families in Gaza. Your donation will help us provide drinking water, improved sanitation, food distribution and other necessities.
Save the Children (www.savethechildren.org) is the leading, independent organization creating lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. For more than 75 years, Save the Children has worked to improve the lives of children and their families through programs in health, education and economic opportunities, and during times of crisis and conflict. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 27 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 100 countries.
