Donate to the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal
Millions of people across Gaza, Lebanon and the wider region are in urgent need of food, shelter and medical care. Please donate now.
Last updated: 17 October 2024
What is happening in the Middle East?
Over the past year, conflict has utterly devastated lives. In Gaza people are dying of hunger, disease and injuries caused by the conflict. Receiving medical care is near impossible. Ninety percent of the population - 1.9 million people - have been displaced. Food and clean water are scarce. Every single person is dealing with the unimaginable trauma of daily life in a conflict zone.
In Lebanon, more than a million people have been forced from their homes in recent weeks. Whole families are sleeping outside in open spaces with little idea if or when they might be able to return home. Airstrikes have killed more than 2,200 people and injured thousands more. Shelters are overwhelmed. Hospitals are struggling to treat the countless injured.
What is Oxfam doing to help people in the Middle East?
Our colleagues and partners in Gaza and Lebanon are working relentlessly in their communities, often risking their lives.
They’re distributing bottles of clean water, food, bedding, hygiene essentials like shampoo, period products, toothpaste and soap to help people stay safe from deadly diseases, establishing access to water, providing trauma counselling and so much more.
The work they are doing in such horrific circumstances is remarkable. When you donate, you’re supporting their vital work.
Duaa Abu Sabha is filling water bottles from Oxfam's water tank, which has been installed in Gaza. Image: Alef Multimedia/Oxfam
The sound of the drones constantly buzzing never leaves us.”
- Duaa Abu Sabha filling water bottles from Oxfam's water tank.
What you can do to help people in the Middle East?
The humanitarian need in Gaza and Lebanon has never been greater. Donating whatever you can will help our colleagues and partners in the region respond within their communities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I donate items like clothing and blankets to help people in emergencies?
Clothes and blankets are among the many items we can sell in our shops here to raise funds, but Oxfam does not send clothes and blankets overseas, however good their condition.
Often this is not cost effective. Shipping also takes time. What people give today might not be what people need tomorrow. Wherever possible, Oxfam buys items locally or from countries in the affected region. This stimulates the local economy and has a lower environmental impact.
That's why making a cash donation is one of the most effective ways to support Oxfam's emergency work.
Can I volunteer to drive supplies from the UK overseas?
Oxfam does not send volunteer drivers from the UK overseas with supplies. Wherever possible, Oxfam buys items locally or from countries in the affected region. This stimulates the local economy and has a lower environmental impact.
That's why making a cash donation is one of the most effective ways to support Oxfam's emergency work.
We deeply appreciate anyone’s desire to support our work and would love for you to volunteer in one of our shops too. Our shop volunteers include those who have been forced to flee conflict and disaster, so they provide a way to welcome people in our communities.
Please visit our volunteering page to find out more information about the fantastic opportunities we have.
What is the DEC?
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is made up of 15 member charities, including Oxfam. When disaster strikes in a place that doesn't have the capacity to respond, the DEC brings together 15 UK charities to raise funds together fast.
All DEC member charities are experts in humanitarian aid. Each member specialises in different areas of disaster response. Together, united with one voice, the call for help can reach as many people like you as possible.