On Wednesday 15th May NEU International Solidarity Officers (ISO) attended a private briefing with Save the Children on the situation in Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian response. Save the Children’s Senior Education Adviser, Emma Wagner, provided an expert overview of the impact of the conflict on children and the education system in Gaza.
After 7 months of war, there are no signs that violence in Gaza is ending, with Save the Children warning of deadly consequences for children who have nowhere safe left to go following the Israeli authorities incursion into Rafah. More than 625,000 children and young people in Gaza have been without access to education or safe spaces since 7 October. During that period nearly 90% of schools have been either destroyed or damaged.
Despite the dangerous and challenging conditions, Save the Children have continued to scale up its humanitarian response in Gaza. ISOs heard directly from the aid organisation on how funds raised by ISOs have enabled to them reach children and families in desperate need.
Given the deteriorating humanitarian situation, the NEU has decided to extend our fundraising appeal to the end of July with a new target of £125,000.
Those districts that have not yet donated to the appeal are urged to do so and those that have are asked to consider whether they might be able to make a further donation.