To download a high resolution photo that aligns with this release, please go to http://www.actforpeace.org.au.
 
The crisis in the Gaza Strip is rapidly becoming a wide scale humanitarian disaster with over 600 Palestinian deaths to date, one third of whom are innocent children. Three thousand more have been injured.
 
act for peace, the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA), has supported partners in Gaza carrying out emergency relief and health care services for 21 years.  act for peace partner, the Middle East Council of Churches’ Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR), has transformed its primary health clinics into emergency clinics to relieve the overstretched hospitals that have been inundated with victims.
 
These medical centres are providing vital treatment for those immediately affected by Israel’s attacks and will serve to support Gaza’s crippled medical services and infrastructure.
 
Dr Bernard Sabella, DSPR's Executive Secretary, said, "The situation in Gaza is absolutely disastrous. The borders remain closed, and the constant bombing is inflicting civilian casualties. As a result, Gaza is in a dire humanitarian situation as the Israeli air strikes have devastated the governmental and civil society infrastructure such as universities and mosques."
 
The NCCA deplores the loss of innocent lives. It is evident that the humanitarian consequences of this conflict will continue to escalate if both Israel and Hamas do not end all attacks and declare a ceasefire. It is essential that unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza be granted.
 
Alistair Gee, Executive Director of act for peace-NCCA, said, “It is vital to support the emergency medical centres operating in Gaza. Our partner is faced with an immense task supporting Gaza’s collapsing health services. Please give to the Christmas Bowl to ensure DSPR can continue to care for men, women and children caught in the middle of this unacceptable human tragedy.”
 
To give to the Christmas Bowl, please go to www.actforpeace.org.au or free call 1800 025 101.
 
For further comment, please call Alistair Gee, Executive Director of act for peace on 0417 672 650.
Statements on the conflict by relevant Councils of Churches can be found at www.ncca.org.au.