Millions of people across Gaza, Lebanon and the wider region are in urgent need of food, shelter and medical care. Please donate now.

What is happening in the Middle East?

Over the past year, conflict has utterly devastated lives. In Gaza people are dying of hunger, disease and injuries caused by the conflict. Receiving medical care is near impossible. Ninety percent of the population - 1.9 million people - have been displaced. Food and clean water are scarce. Every single person is dealing with the unimaginable trauma of daily life in a conflict zone.

In Lebanon, more than a million people have been forced from their homes in recent weeks. Whole families are sleeping outside in open spaces with little idea if or when they might be able to return home. Airstrikes have killed more than 2,200 people and injured thousands more. Shelters are overwhelmed. Hospitals are struggling to treat the countless injured.

What is Oxfam doing to help people in the Middle East?

Our colleagues and partners in Gaza and Lebanon are working relentlessly in their communities, often risking their lives. They’re distributing bottles of clean water, food, bedding, hygiene essentials like shampoo, period products, toothpaste and soap to help people stay safe from deadly diseases, establishing access to water, providing trauma counselling and so much more. The work they are doing in such horrific circumstances is remarkable. When you donate, you’re supporting their vital work.

What is the DEC?

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is made up of 15 member charities, including Oxfam. When disaster strikes in a place that doesn't have the capacity to respond, the DEC brings together 15 UK charities to raise funds together fast.

All DEC member charities are experts in humanitarian aid. Each member specialises in different areas of disaster response. Together, united with one voice, the call for help can reach as many people like you as possible.

More about the DEC

Image: Aaliyah* holds her daughter on the remains of a damaged building in Gaza, October 2024. The mother of six built a temporary shelter opposite her demolished house and depends entirely on aid to feed her family. *Name changed to protect identity.Credit: DEC/Arete/Abdallah Alsayed