PRO-PALESTINIAN campaigners have expressed concerns about the amount raised for the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for the Middle East.
The DEC Middle East Appeal was launched on October 17 this year and has so far raised £35m.
This includes £10m from the UK Government under the UK aid match scheme.
The money raised from the appeal will provide urgently needed food, water, shelter and medical care to families in desperate need in Gaza, Lebanon and the wider region.
Pro-Palestinian campaigners say they welcome the money raised but highlighted that it is one of the lowest totals ever raised for a DEC appeal, and doesn't reflect the scale of the humanitarian disaster and the groundswell of public support for Palestine.
Gerry Coutts of Scottish Friends of Palestine said: “We greatly welcome the amount raised and thank everyone for their generosity. Every penny makes a huge difference to the lives of men, women and children who have lost everything and are experiencing unbelievable levels of hardship.
“However, we have concerns about the amount raised for the DEC Middle East Appeal, which is among one of the lowest ever raised for any DEC appeal. This is even though Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and Lebanon is raging on and people are facing disease, starvation, and death on an unprecedented scale."
At the time of launching the DEC Middle East appeal, the DEC had announced that money raised for their Middle East Appeal will be matched by the UK Government up to the value of £10m. For the DEC Ukraine Appeal, this figure was £25m.
Gerry Coutts said: “Disappointingly, there are many disparities between the DEC appeal for the Middle East and the Ukraine appeal. The stark difference in the amount being matched by the UK Government is one."
At a press conference, the DEC chief executive Saleh Saeed said people in Gaza are “dying of hunger and disease” and “UN experts have warned that there is a risk of famine across the Gaza strip, as long as the conflict continues.”.
Wael Shawish of Scottish Friends of Palestine said: “The DEC appeal is for the Middle East and the DEC states the funds from the appeal may also go to Israel, which is not only one of the richest countries in the world but also receives billions of pounds in funding from Western nations.
“Israel is also an illegal occupying force condemned internationally for its apartheid regime and inhumane treatment of occupied Palestinians for decades – and now stands accused of genocide.
“It’s unclear how much of the funds raised will go to Israel. However, given the facts at play there’s no doubt this jars with a large majority of people who for over a year have mobilised across the world - in numbers and force not seen before - to call for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine and for Israel to face sanctions until it abides by international law.
“It would be naïve to think this has not contributed to the DEC Middle East Appeal not raising more than it has. It’s a real pity given how vital DEC appeals are and their great ability to raise awareness of humanitarian crises and alleviate suffering.”
The National understands the DEC believes the fundraiser will raise similar amounts to other appeals in recent years. You can donate here.
