LAST year, a few months into Israel's brutal bombardment of Gaza, readers and friends of The National helped us to raise more than £110k for Medical Aid for Palestinians. It was more than we ever imagined we could raise as a small team with no fundraising experience, and we were in awe of the generosity demonstrated across Scotland.
Exactly a year on, and the relentless bombing of Gaza has come to an end thanks to the ceasefire. But the healthcare situation is now even worse. According to the British Red Cross, the collapsed health system and its consequences could kill more people than the conflict itself. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that just 16 of Gaza's 36 hospitals are operational, with only 1822 hospital beds available – far less than what is needed. The WHO adds that in parts of Gaza, Israeli forces have been conducting a "systematic dismantling of the health system”.
Gaza's Ministry of Health states that more than 1000 health workers have been killed in Israel's assault. Medical teams are exhausted, traumatised, and facing the same challenges as the rest of the population – namely the risk of food insecurity, poor access to clean water and poor quality shelter as a result of bombing. As of this week Israel is again blocking new aid shipments into Gaza, making an unimaginable situation even worse. It comes as the US President makes further threats to the people of Gaza.
This is not the time to turn our gaze away. It is the time to support those who need our help the most.
The National is again holding a fundraiser in conjunction with Medical Aid for Palestinians. All money goes directly to this important charity, which is on the ground providing urgently needing medical aid and mental health support to those who need it. The charity also operates in West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, and Lebanon.
It is a challenging time here in the UK with inflation rising again, energy bills up and council tax set to increase, so all generosity (no matter how big or small) will be greatly appreciated. Let's show the people of Palestine how much Scotland cares.
Click the red banner above to head to the donation page or use the following link: medpal.donorsupport.co/page/TheNational
