THE Church in Wales is urging people to respond to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) appeal for people affected by the conflict in Gaza.

The DEC is to launch its appeal today (Friday) to help more than half a million people who have had to leave their homes after four weeks of fighting.

More than 1,800 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and 67 Israelis, mainly soldiers, are believed to have died in the conflict.

The Church has also said it is concerned about the fate of the mobile dental clinic it funds in Gaza which it has been unable to contact.

The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan said: “People are now in desperate need in Gaza. We cannot shy away from that and do nothing for fear of getting entangled in a complex political situation. We have as much of a duty to respond with love to their basic humanitarian needs as we would to those in our own families or communities.

“We must also pray for all those who are suffering and pray for a lasting solution to end this terrible conflict.

“I urge people to donate money to the DEC which they can do through Christian Aid. Churches can also help by holding collections this Sunday and including Gaza in their prayers.”

Collection forms and prayers can be downloaded from www.christianaid.org.uk while donations to the DEC appeal can be made at www.dec.org.uk

Although there is only a temporary truce, DEC Cymru member agencies are increasing their level of help, with some agencies working through the fighting.

Oxfam is delivering safe water to up to 175,000 people a day while British Red Cross partners are supporting emergency medical services.

To make a donation to the DEC Gaza Crisis Appeal visit www.dec.org.uk, call the 24 hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900, donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque. You can also donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.

A donation of £25 can buy 150 bandages; £50 can feed five families for a day; and £100 can provide an emergency shelter kit and blankets for one family.