"Scotland will play its part in the international response" - Sturgeon

The amount raised as a result of the official broadcast of the Disasters Emergency Appeal has doubled overnight to more than £1 million helping to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Judith Robertson, Chair of the DEC Appeal in Scotland, said: "We really do appreciate the support of the Scottish public who have shown their generosity when confronted with scenes of a dire humanitarian emergency. Their donations will improve the lives of so many civilians caught up in a conflict that was not of their making.

"But there are many more people who need our help. I urge anyone who has not yet donated to give what they can afford.

"All the money raised will go directly to helping the innocent families in Gaza who have been left without basic everyday necessities that we take for granted such as food, shelter and healthcare."

Scotland's key political leaders today (Tuesday 27 January) joined Scottish celebrities Peter Mullan and Tam Dean Burn to give cross party support to the DEC in Scotland Gaza Crisis Appeal, urging the Scottish public to do the same.

Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, was joined by Labour leader Iain Gray MSP, Conservative leader Annabel Goldie, Liberal Democrats Chief Whip Mike Rumbles MSP and Green Party leader Patrick Harvie MSP to make a united plea for the people of Gaza.

The public can donate by calling 0370 60 60 900, online at www.dec.org.uk or at any Oxfam, Red Cross, Save the Children or Islamic Relief shop or Post Office.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP, said: "The people of Gaza are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance following the recent conflict, and Scotland will play its part in the international response to the appeal for help. The people of Scotland have a fine record of responding generously to appeals like this, and I am sure they will do so once more."

Leader of the opposition, Iain Gray MSP, added: "I would urge everyone to get behind the appeal as this is clearly a humanitarian crisis as the International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander has been highlighting."

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Mike Rumbles, said: "Charities are working hard to help those affected and I urge Scots to help them by supporting the DEC appeal."

Conservative leader, Annabelle Goldie MSP, said: "Scotland has a proud and generous tradition of giving aid wherever it is needed and whenever there is a humanitarian crisis."

Green party leader, Patrick Harvie MSP, concluded saying: "The chaos and destruction in Gaza is an open wound, a true humanitarian crisis, and whatever people think about the politics of the region, this is the time to donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee. They need our support to help provide food for the hungry and treatment for the injured and sick. The longer we wait, the longer it will take to restore a degree of normality to the lives of the civilian population."

More than 1,300 Palestinians were killed in the conflict, which began on 27 December. About 100,000 Palestinians have been left homeless in Gaza with many families forced to shelter in severely damaged houses.

A million people in Gaza are now dependent on aid. More than 300,000 people still have no running water. Sewage is running in some residential streets in North Gaza. Water and sanitation services and facilities are on the brink of collapse in some areas.

Aid agency members of the DEC in Scotland are working to provide aid to hundreds of thousands of people affected.

• The Red Cross movement in the last two days have provided around 3500 people with shelter materials such as tarpaulins and plastic sheeting. They have also brought in 10 ambulances and faciltiated work on a wastewater treatment plant
• Islamic Relief has given food parcels, hygiene kits, blankets and medical aid to more than 200,000 people - many who have been displaced and others in hospital
• Save the Children have reached 44,000 people, delivering food (packages that are enough to feed a family of 7 for two weeks), water, baby kits - with thousands of nappies and hygiene kits
• Oxfam are providing drinking water to 20,000 households per day and have provided 20,000 people with food. Distributions of hygiene kits for some 15,000 – 20,000 people will be begin next week
• Christian Aid are working through local partner organisations to distribute food and blankets, reopen clinics shut during the bombardment and get medical assistance to casualties.