MAP Responds to BBC
30 January 2009
Medical Aid for Palestinians strongly condemns the BBC's decision not to air the DEC Emergency Appeal for Gaza.
As a UK charity working on the ground in Gaza, MAP attests to the deep humanitarian crisis that is affecting all aspects of life for Gaza's population. The recent military assault on the Gaza Strip has intensified the needs of a population already in a state of humanitarian crisis after 18 months of Israeli blockade.
Right now, thousands remain homeless. Over 4,000 homes have been completely destroyed, and 20,000 homes have been partially destroyed. Each home destroyed or uninhabitable means a displaced and vulnerable family - mothers, fathers, grandparents and children. There has been considerable damage and destruction to schools, hospitals, farms and businesses. Hospitals are struggling to cope with thousands of severely injured patients, and hundreds need urgent rehabilitation. There are critical shortages of essential humanitarian supplies, and electricity cuts throughout Gaza have left people without running water.
While MAP is not one of the 13 agencies part of the DEC, we fully recognise the broad-based humanitarian response needed on the ground in Gaza. The DEC Appeal was launched to help meet these critical needs.
MAP calls upon the BBC to immediately reverse its decision, and broadcast the Gaza appeal - humanitarian aid, and the critical needs of thousands, must not be made into a political issue.
