UK public's extraordinary response to Middle East Humanitarian Appeal
Published on 15 November 2024 05:03 PM
Thanks to the incredible generosity of members of the public across the UK, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Middle East Humanitarian Appeal has now raised over £30 million.
Age International is deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed – including through visiting website appeal pages, in response to social media posts, emails or letters, or even by donating at an Age UK shop.
Over the past year, conflict in the Middle East has devastated lives across the region. In Gaza alone, over 43,000 people have been killed since October 2023, and conflict in Lebanon means the death toll in the region is rising.
In Gaza, an estimated 110,000 older people are struggling to find essential supplies, while in Lebanon, over 100,000 older people have been displaced. The situation remains dire for them, with many facing hunger, dehydration, illness, injury and death.
A family without shelter
Umm and Abu Mohammed are grandparents living in Gaza. They, their seven daughters, and their granddaughter fled their home when it came under fire. Their son was killed in a bombing, and his body remains trapped under rubble.
The family found shelter in a tent at a hospital, but even there they were not safe. A missile strike left them with nothing. And Abu Mohammed faces serious health issues, too - though he rarely speaks of them – and needs medicine.
"We once had a big, happy home," says Abu Mohammed. "But now, all that's left are memories."
The family now relies on humanitarian support to get by, including from Age International’s partner in Gaza. Abu Mohammed has only one request: “I just want my family to feel safe again."
As winter approaches, older people are particularly vulnerable to cold weather. Many, like Umm and Abu Mohammed, are in tents and within overcrowded shelters, and they urgently need supplies.
Donations from the UK public are helping Age International to work with local partner organisations in Gaza and Lebanon to provide tailored life-saving emergency support, including:
- Food that’s tailored to older people's nutritional needs and clean water
- Clothing for older people to stay warm over winter
- Cash assistance so that older people can buy the things they need
- Tailored medical assistance and medicine for chronic conditions
- Hygiene and dignity kits for older people
- Mental health support for older people to help them process trauma
- Assistive products such as walking frames, glasses and wheelchairs
“Every day, I imagine what it must be like for older people - many of whom are grandparents - caught up in the turmoil and terror of this crisis,” Alison Marshall, Age International CEO said. “I am so grateful to everyone who has donated to the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal. The needs are so great, and every pound makes a difference. With your contributions, we are supporting our courageous partners to help older people who are facing such distress and suffering.”
Age International is the only UK-based charity focused on the needs of older people in low and middle-income countries. As one of 15 members of the DEC, we work together with other aid agencies in times of disasters and emergencies to reach those most in need.
DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal
Millions of people have been affected by growing conflict in the Middle East. People across Gaza, Lebanon and the wider region are in urgent need of support.