As a supporter of Save the Children, which is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee, I’d like to draw the attention of your readers to the recent launch of its Gaza Crisis Appeal.

We have all seen the distressing pictures of the terrible situation in Gaza. The UN says the health system in Gaza is on the verge of collapse. Twenty-four health facilities have been damaged, with acute shortages of medicines and medical supplies.

In addition, UN figures confirm; l Up to 520,000 people may be displaced and in need of food assistance, with many crammed into overcrowded UN shelters; l 65,000 people have seen their homes destroyed or damaged beyond repair; l 1,814 Palestinians have been killed, including 1,312 civilians of whom 408 were children; l 67 Israelis killed, including three civilians; l 1.5 million people have no, or very limited access to water or sanitation (because of infrastructure damage and the lack of electricity affecting pumping and processing plants).

The Disasters Emergency Committee is impartial, neutral and non-political. Its priority is tackling the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It helps whoever needs it. Every donation, even the smallest, helps.

To make a donation, visit dec.org.uk, phone the 24-hour hotline on 03706 060900, visit any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque. You can also donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.

I know that people in our region are very generous; let’s make a difference to people who are suffering in Gaza today.

Janet Laverick, Save the Children Pickering and Thornton-le-Dale branch