Cornish charity launches emergency aid for Gaza

ShelterBox said it would support thousands displaced with emergency shelter aid and other essential items

A Cornwall charity has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to support people displaced in Gaza.

The BBC has been told that children are going without food for days, and that some residents have resorted to grinding animal feed into flour.

ShelterBox said it would support thousands displaced with emergency shelter aid and other essential items.

Tarpaulins, rope, and other items will also be provided to make temporary repairs to damaged buildings.

Haroon Altaf, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said the "crisis is huge".

He said: "People are at increasing risk from disease, hunger, and the cold. Winter makes things harder in every emergency.

"It's cold and wet and people don't have what they need to protect themselves or their families from the harsh winter weather."

'Slow and unpredictable'

Aid packets will include washing sets, water carriers, kitchen sets, and items like nappies and toothbrushes.

ShelterBox said it would work with Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), a medical organisation already working in Gaza before the war, to get the emergency aid into the territory.

• Listen: ShelterBox launches emergency aid programme for Gaza

Jonty Ellaby, Programme Manager for Gaza, said getting aid into Gaza was "challenging".

He said: "It is slow and unpredictable, with border crossings often closed at short notice.

"The situation is complex, but we intend that our aid will reach people via the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza.

"Supplies of food, water, and medicine are prioritised for entry, with aid moved into Gaza from Egypt and Jordan via Rafah or the Kerem Shalom border crossing between Israel and Gaza."