Jersey steps up aid to Gaza

Tuesday 05 August 2014

The Island has now granted £120,000 to charities working on the ground in Gaza to help more people affected by continuing conflict.

The Jersey Overseas Aid Commission is breaking its usual limit of donating £90,000 to an emergency because of the extent of the crisis in Gaza. They have now agreed £30,000 grants to four charities working on the ground - splitting the money between Christian Aid, The British Red Cross, UNICEF and Oxfam so that they can provide water, food, emergency shelter and medicines to those most in need.

Chairman Senator Paul Routier said: “We are all aware through recent media coverage of the violence in Gaza and how the humanitarian crisis there continues to escalate. The Commission is awarding funding to those agencies who already have an established presence in country as it is paramount that the aid provided reaches the intended beneficiaries as quickly as possible to avoid further loss of life.”

Unicef say the escalating violence since June poses a serious threat to children’s lives – more than 10 youngsters are being killed every day, nearly 2,000 have been injured and over 125,000 children are in urgent need of psychological support.

The funding will help them provide water, health and protection for children and their families affected.

Oxfam say communities across Gaza continue to suffer as heavy airstrikes and artillery shelling are destroying infrastructure, homes and lives.

The charity is on the ground and is already helping over 80,000 people but needs the money to reach more.

Funds granted or raised by Christian Aid for the Gaza Emergency Appeal go to a number of partner organisations in the area including the Palestinian Medical Relief Services, the Culture and Free Thought Association, the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committee and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights.

Their partners have described the destruction of agricultural land and homes, as well as a severe shortage of medical supplies in hospitals treating the injured. There are also reports that the health system is close to collapse.

Rocket fire and airstrikes began shortly after three Israeli teenagers were abducted and found dead in June after which a Palestinian teenager was killed in Jerusalem.

The British Red Cross say the escalation of violence is impeding humanitarian access and threatening the safety and security of aid workers, making it hard for them to get to those needing help and relief.

The JOAC supports local charities in developing countries and grants government aid for emergency and disaster relief.

Last year’s budget for emergency and disaster relief was £1.5 million.