WESTPORT, Conn. (Dec. 19, 2008) — Concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, in the Middle East, Save the Children is stepping up its efforts to assist children and families struggling to survive with little access to the basic necessities of life including food, clean water, health care, electricity and income.

"The situation has been deteriorating steadily for the last 20 months, and we are very concerned about the real possibility of severe malnutrition and disease among many Gazan children," 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."

Recent reports from the United Nations show the dramatic impact of the crisis on the lives of Gaza's 1.5 million residents. 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 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 targeting the critical health needs of children including severe malnutrition. We are working to improve access to clean water in five areas in Gaza, and we 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."

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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.