Temporary Cease Fires Not Enough for Humanitarian Aid Groups Working in Gaza U.S.-Based Alliance of Relief Organizations Offers Five Action Steps to Improve Response FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tawana Jacobs, 202-552-6534 (Office), 202-297-1696 (Cell) or tjacobs@interaction.org Nasserie Carew, 202-552-6561 (Office), 202-341-3814 (Cell) or ncarew@interaction.org UPDATE, January 23, 2009 -- International humanitarian staff are now allowed to enter Gaza for the first time since early November. Entry is, however, being granted on a case-by-case basis with many operations are still being conducted by national staff. Since the declared cease-fires on January 18, efforts are underway to assess the needs of the Palestine population affected by the crisis. Initial reports are that 100% of the inhabitants are now dependent on the international community for food. Other obvious priority needs include fuel, medical assistance, and water and sanitation services. InterAction members, along with their partner agencies, are already responding to these requirements. UPDATED FULL STATEMENT >> Washington, DC (January 8, 2009) - Despite the recent three-hour cease fires to allow the delivery of food and medical supplies to residents of the Palestinian territory, upwards of 750,000 people still lack access to food, clean water and medical help. U.S.-based international humanitarian aid organizations working in the region see this arrangement to allow sporadic delivery of aid as inhumane and insufficient. Sam Worthington, President & CEO of the U.S.-based alliance of aid groups known as InterAction, says “The aid provided during the short cease fires is just a drop in the bucket when compared to need. Families still able to live in their homes are traumatized after 13 days of intense fighting and fear becoming moving targets in the battle if they leave their homes to seek supplies. Fleeing is unfortunately not an option for the civilian population.” International aid organizations are mobilizing responses to the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The recent air strikes and ground offensive have exacerbated an already serious humanitarian crisis for civilians. Food and fuel remain in short supply as a result of the eight-month long blockade of goods entering Gaza, and infrastructure continues to suffer from a lack of inputs. INITIAL STATEMENT >>		>> HOW MEMBERS ARE RESPONDING InterAction members, along with their partner agencies, are mobilizing humanitarian assistance for Gaza to provide food, medicine and health services to those impacted by the recent violence. Many have already been providing assistance to meet the existing humanitarian needs in Gaza, though access for international staff has been severely restricted since November. The majority of the operations are being implemented by national staff. The InterAction members listed below are accepting contributions for assistance and have agreed to a set of standards to ensure accountability, professional competence and quality of service. NGO Contacts: James Bishop Vice President of Humanitarian Policy & Practice 202-667-8227 X 542 Elizabeth Bellardo Program Manager 202-667-8227 X 566
Credit: Susan Warner/Save the Children	Credit: REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA)	Credit: REUTERS/Baz Ratner ( ISRAEL) MORE PHOTOS >>

 

HOW INTERACTION MEMBERS ARE RESPONDING
	American Red Cross P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013, 1-800-HELP NOW (January 5, 2009) In response to the crisis in Gaza, the American Red Cross is supporting the ICRC with a contribution of $250,000. The ICRC is providing support through the Palestine Red Crescent Society, and Magen David Adom (the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross) as they address increasing humanitarian needs for medical support, hospital supplies, and relief distributions.
	American Friends Service Committee Crisis Fund, 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 1-888-588-2372 (January 5, 2009) The American Friends Service Committee's staff in Gaza, working with our local partners, are currently assessing the needs and feasibility for effective humanitarian assistance opportunities. AFSC is committed to provide immediate relief and longer-term recovery work to support the people of Gaza.
	AmeriCares 88 Hamilton Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902, 800-486-4357 (January 5, 2009) AmeriCares is working with our partner, American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), to deliver medicines and medical supplies, including enough antibiotics to treat 3,300 people and 9,800 courses of treatment for pain. In addition, we are providing cardiovascular medicines and surgical and medical supplies for emergency and trauma care. The Israeli government has cleared four AmeriCares aid shipments valued at over $6 million for delivery to Gaza and the West Bank, including two currently in port in Israel and two that will arrive within the next 10 days. AmeriCares has also offered the Egyptian Red Crescent additional medicines and supplies.
	American Near East Refugee Aid 1522 K Street NW Suite 600, Washington , DC 20017, 202-842-2766 (January 5, 2009) ANERA has worked in the Middle East for 40 years. ANERA has a staff ready to provide relief in the form of medical supplies, food and shelter to the victims of the conflict.
	Baptist World Aid 405 N. Washington Street, Falls Church, VA 22046, 703-790-8980 (January 5, 2009) Baptist World Aid, working with Hungarian Baptist Aid Rescue 24, has a medical team in Egypt that is receiving seriously injured victims. The team has been asked to travel to El Arish (40 km from the Gaza-Egypt border) to assist. The Egyptian Ministry of Health has set up six centers for the injured and sick. Funding is needed to assist with the cost of medicines and medical equipment as well as to provide food, clothing and hygienic items for the patients. A program in Sderot, Israel is also being considered.
	CARE Gift Center, P.O. Box 1871, Merrifield, VA 22116-9753, 1-800-521-2273, Designate “Gaza Crisis” in memo (January 5, 2009) CARE is distributing medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, blankets and fresh vegetables to hospitals in Gaza, where it has six decades of experience. CARE is supplying winterization kits to cover broken windows and heaters for people whose homes have been damaged by the bombing. CARE’s food distributions also target those who are homebound because of injury, sickness, disability or age. CARE is one of the world’s largest humanitarian aid agencies, providing assistance in nearly 70 countries. CARE has been working in Gaza since 1948, implementing programs in food security, health and water, support for civil society groups, and distributions of fresh food. (Press Room)
	Catholic Relief Services Middle East Crisis Fund, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090, 877-HELP-CRS (January 5, 2009) On Jan. 3, CRS coordinated delivery of a limited supply of cooking gas, diapers, bottled water, and food to the Missionaries of Charity in Gaza. CRS is assessing the possibility of purchasing and delivering a larger amount food (rice, sugar, tuna, and more) and non-food items to the affected civilian population. CRS will continue to work with partners to meet the urgent needs of Gazans. (Press Room)
	CHF International Resource Development, 8601 Georgia Ave, Suite 800, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 1-310-587-4700 (January 5, 2009) CHF International staff members began delivering much-needed food aid on Saturday, January 3rd, to families in Gaza. Despite continued violence, CHF staff members were able to distribute bread to 10,000 families through community networks. With the support of USAID, CHF is ready to deliver 30,000 blankets, 26 tons of plastic sheeting and 2,500 units of tape to cover broken windows, protecting households from the winter weather and provide basic shelter. We are coordinating with the United Nations and Israeli authorities to secure passage of the goods into Gaza and have 18 warehouses in Gaza ready to receive the supplies once access is given. Additional emergency supplies are urgently needed to expand distributions of humanitarian relief.
	Church World Service Gaza Humanitarian Crisis, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515, 800-297-1516 (January 5, 2009) Church World Service is supporting efforts as a member of the Action by Churches Together International alliance. These CWS-supported efforts include those of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)'s Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR), International Orthodox Christian Charities, the Lutheran World Federation and Norwegian Church Aid, all long-time CWS partners. DSPR-supported clinics are responding to emergency medical needs in Gaza.
	Episcopal Relief and Development Middle East Fund, P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058, 800-334-7627 ext. 5129 (January 5, 2009) As the attacks in Gaza continue, Episcopal Relief & Development is in contact with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. With our direct support, Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, our program partner, is still providing emergency health care. The staff and volunteers are currently physically safe but need supplies.
	Giving Children Hope 8332 Commonwealth Avenue, Buena Park, CA 90621, 1-714-523-4454 (January 5, 2009) Giving Children Hope is moving quickly to assess the needs in Gaza. Monetary donations are currently being accepted at www.gchope.org to procure relief items for people caught in the rising conflict. All donations can be sent to 8332 Commonwealth Ave. Buena Park, CA 90621. Giving Children Hope is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating poverty (domestically and abroad) through disaster relief, health and community development, vocational training and advocacy.
	Handicap International 6930 Carroll Avenue Suite 240, Takoma Park, MD 20912 1-301-891-2138 (January 9, 2009) Active in Gaza since 1996, Handicap International (HI) is responding to the current crisis with emergency humanitarian aid targeting the disabled population and our partner organizations. We are poised to deliver health kits, blankets, mattresses and other basic equipment to protect against the cold as well as specific equipment for the disabled (wheelchairs, crutches, canes, etc…) HI will mobilize our network of physical therapists to visit the wounded in their homes to provide urgently needed rehabilitation care.
	International Medical Corps 1919 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 400, Santa Monica, CA 90404, 800-481-4462 (January 5, 2009) International Medical Corps’ (IMC) emergency response team is in the region and is preparing for the distribution of emergency health kits into Gaza. IMC is also working with international and local humanitarian partners to secure additional medications and critical emergency supplies to bring necessities to civilians. With long-running programs in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, IMC has responded to numerous crises in the Middle East, including the 2006 Hezbollah-Israeli war and the war in Iraq.
	International Orthodox Christian Charities Middle East Relief, P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, MD 21263-0225, 1-877-803-IOCC (4622) (January 5, 2009) IOCC has released emergency funds and is working to deliver medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to Gaza hospitals that are stretched to capacity. IOCC is working with organizations that have significant operations inside Gaza and who are in touch with government officials and UN personnel to gain access. Before this latest conflict, IOCC had launched a new initiative for Gaza to provide employment, rebuild youth centers, and provide emergency food and hygiene supplies through an Action by Churches Together (ACT) appeal. IOCC has implemented a variety of educational, school repair, and health care programs in the Palestinian Territories since 1997.
	International Rescue Committee P.O. Box 96651 Washington, DC 20090-6651 1-877-733-8433 (January 9, 2009) The International Rescue Committee is working with a local partner to deliver urgently needed supplies to hospitals and other centers providing humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. With IRC support, the Jordan River Foundation is procuring and distributing desperately needed drugs, medical equipment and other vital items that are in short supply in Gaza. Meanwhile, the IRC is dispatching emergency aid specialists to the Palestinian Territories with a view toward expanding lifesaving relief activities in the area. The IRC is a world leader in humanitarian aid--providing help, hope and opportunity to victims of conflict in 42 countries. (Press Room)
	International Relief & Development 1621 North Kent Street, Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22209, 877-844-5644 (January 6, 2009) In response to the conflict in Gaza, and the Palestinian Ministry of Health’s request for pharmaceuticals and medicines, IRD will be sending a shipment of the antibiotic Cefzil, worth more than $830,000. IRD is working with the World Health Organization (WHO) to coordinate donations of the pharmaceuticals, and the Ministry of Health will transport and distribute the donation to the hospitals. IRD is also considering the shipment of additional donations within the week. To help IRD bring emergency relief to the people of Gaza, please visit our web site at www.ird.org.
	International Relief Teams 4560 Alvarado Canyon Rd, Suite 2G, San Diego, CA 92120, 1-619-284-7979 (January 6, 2009) International Relief Teams (IRT) is working with international and local humanitarian partners with established presence and programs in the region to secure medications and critical emergency supplies for civilians in Gaza. IRT's mission is to alleviate human suffering by providing health services and humanitarian assistance to victims of disaster, neglect and profound poverty worldwide.
	Islamic Relief USA Palestine Humanitarian Crisis, P.O. Box 5640, Buena Park, CA 90622, 1-888.479.4968 (January 6, 2009) Islamic Relief USA has launched a multi-million dollar fund raising campaign and has contributed $1,000,000 to relief efforts. Six hours after air strikes started, IR staff in Gaza delivered five trucks of medical supplies to various needy hospitals. Our office in Gaza City hosted the coordination meeting with the UN agencies and all international NGOs working in Gaza. Islamic Relief has also been coordinating with WHO to purchase aid commodities to distribute in the Gaza Strip. Purchase orders were made to suppliers for medical disposables, medical supplies, food and non-food items which are en route to Islamic Relief warehouses and distribution points.IR staff are reporting in a daily online journal on BBC and by video for The Guardian. Islamic Relief is accepting gifts in kind of medical supplies, and non-food items such as bedding and hygiene kits.
	Life for Relief and Development Gaza Campaign, 17300 W. 10 Mile Road, P.O. Box 236, Southfield, MI 48037, 1-800-827-3543 (January 5, 2009) LIFE for Relief & Development has been providing medical kits to the Shifa Hospital and to clinics throughout Gaza. On December 21, 2008 LIFE received a license from the Israeli Ministry of Justice Organizations Registrar (posted on website) to move humanitarian aid into Gaza and are in the process of procuring and sending additonal medical and surgical supplies and food items into Gaza. Life is dedicated to alleviating human suffering regardless of race, color, religion or cultural background. This global organization strives to offer humanitarian services including health, nutrition, shelter, education, social and economic services to victims of hunger, natural disasters, wars and other catastrophes. LIFE for Relief and Development accepts gifts in kind of medical equipment, medical supplies and medicines with at least an 18 month expiration date.
	Lutheran World Relief Mideast Crisis, 700 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230, 800-597-5972 (January 5, 2009) LWR is responding through the Action by Churches Together (ACT) alliance to provide food aid, temporary shelter and medical assistance to civilians affected by the crisis.
	Medical Teams International P.O. Box 10, Portland, Oregon 97207-0010, 800-959-HEAL (4325) (January 5, 2009) Medical Teams International is sending critically needed surgical kits, medicines and sutures to help families caught in the Middle East air and ground attacks. The supplies are valued at $1.8 million. Partnering with agencies on the ground in the West Bank and Gaza, Medical Teams International will ship three separate containers to be distributed to clinics, hospitals, churches and schools. (Press Room)
	Mercy Corps Gaza Crisis Fund, Dept NR, PO Box 2669, Portland OR 97208, 1-800-852-2100 (January 5, 2009) The global relief and development agency Mercy Corps will deliver urgently needed food basics, blankets, medical supplies and other critical items for Gazans impacted by the recent violence. (Press Room)
	Mercy USA 44450 Pinetree Drive, Suite 201, Plymouth, MI 48170-3869, 1-800-55-MERCY (6-3729), Designate “Gaza Humanitarian Relief” (January 5, 2009) Mercy-USA for Aid and Development is partnering with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to provide food packages to Palestinian civilians in Gaza affected by this fighting.
	Oxfam America Middle East Crisis Fund P.O. 1211 Albert Lea, MN 56007-1211 800-77-OXFAM (January 9, 2009) Together with local partners, Oxfam is providing emergency medical aid to residents in Gaza. We are also providing food and expanding a program through which families receive vouchers to purchase fresh foods. Additionally, we will be distributing plastic sheeting for temporary repairs to buildings and supplying blankets for warmth.
	Project HOPE 255 Carter Hall Lane, Millwood, VA 22646, 1-800-544-4673 (January 5, 2009) Project HOPE will provide humanitarian assistance through donated medicines and medical supplies. Project HOPE accepts gifts in kind of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
	Operation USA 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232, 1-800-678-7255 (January 5, 2009) Operation USA is responding by sending medical supplies to and through partner NGOs. Operation USA is accepting gifts in kind in medical, hygiene and water purification supplies.
	Relief International Gaza Emergency, 5455 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1280, Los Angeles, CA 90024, 310-478-1200 (January 5, 2009) Relief International (RI) is currently operational in the Gaza Strip. RI has an office, staff and 55 volunteers trained in emergency response and first aid services. Beginning December 29th, RI staff and volunteers mobilized to provide immediate basic first aid services to victims of the current violence. RI emergency teams continue to assist in evacuating women, children and the elderly from the most damaged neighborhoods while additional trained staff helps support and treat those injured during the ongoing conflict. Staff and volunteers have initiated the purchase of medical supplies in Gaza and distribution to local hospitals. RI continues to gather data and assess needs.
	Save the Children USA Gaza Children in Crisis Fund, 54 Wilton Road, Westport, CT 06880, 800-728-3843 (January 5, 2009) Save the Children staff members have begun delivering much-needed food to children and families in Gaza despite continued violence. On Sunday staff members delivered food parcels to 641 families--or nearly 6,000 people, including over 3,000 children--in Gaza City, east Jabaliya, Beit Lahia, Beit Hanoun and Um Al Nasser. However, air assaults and ground fighting are making movement dangerous for needy families and Save the Children staff trying to assist them. Dwindling resources in homes is increasing the vulnerability of children as is the collapse of Gaza's electricity and sanitation infrastructure. Even before the latest outbreak of violence, 50,000 Gazan children were malnourished and almost half of children under age 2 were anemic. (Press Room)
	United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Middle East Emergency #601740, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087, 1-800-554-8583 (January 5, 2009) UMCOR is coordinating humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip with partners in the region, including Action by Churches Together (ACT International).
	Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Fund P.O. Box 849164 Boston, MA 02284-9164 (January 9, 2009) UUSC responds strategically to disaster situations where human rights are threatened, focusing on the rights of marginalized and oppressed people. We work with the understanding that disasters, whether natural or man-made, tend to disproportionately harm those who are already marginalized in society or are neglected by traditional relief strategies. In response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, UUSC is working with colleague organizations to identify and partner with grassroots groups that are best able to provide immediate aid to survivors, as well as to meet longer-term needs of recovery.
	World Vision P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063, 1-888-56-CHILD (January 5, 2009) World Vision plans to provide food parcels, blankets and other basic supplies to 50,000 of the most vulnerable families in Gaza—particularly those who have fled their homes seeking sanctuary from the shelling. At a later stage, World Vision will develop cash or food for work activities, to help families provide for basics like medication, food, water and household supplies. World Vision began working in the region in 1975 and currently has 14 area development programs in the region, including projects focusing on children with special needs and providing vocational training for women.