Recent events in Israel and Gaza have both shocked and horrified the St John Eye Hospital Group and broader international community.

As a charity that has worked in the region for more than a century, we have one aim: Saving sight, changing lives.

Our job is to provide internationally recognised and award-winning eye care services to patients regardless of ethnicity, religion, or their ability to pay.

But we know first-hand the damage that the escalating conflict will bring.

The people affected are some of the most underprivileged in the world and this war will create a severe humanitarian crisis, on a scale not previously seen.

Amid the hostilities, chaos, and uncertainty the work of our hospitals and clinics in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem remain more vital than ever.

While our hospital in Gaza has sustained heavy collateral damage and remains non-operational, as SJEHG staff have fled to the south, all our services across the wider region are under severe strain.

In the West Bank and at our flagship hospital in East Jerusalem, which treats many of the most complex eye cases from across the West Bank and Gaza, increased movement restrictions mean that many patients are unable to attend our facilities.

During this time, we are doing everything we can to ensure the continuity of our services.

We are providing transport across the West Bank and Jerusalem to patients who would otherwise be unable to attend our facilities, and some of our smaller regional clinics are starting to carry out more complex treatments.

While we cannot predict what will unfold, what remains clear is that more people across this region will suffer. The need for our services will be greater than ever.

Please continue to check this page for more information about our appeal.

Your support is vital to the continuation of our work.