Violence, conflict and trauma continue into the fourth consecutive year of the Al-Aqsa Intifada (28 September 2000). 2,603 have been killed so far, and 41,000 injured, with an estimated 2,500 permanent disabilities, 500 of whom are children below the age of 17 (The Palestine Monitor, 10 September 2003); and the numbers grow as the Intifada goes on, despite all peace efforts and plans to end the hostilities between the Palestinians and Israelis. Closures continue to exacerbate unemployment, also preventing the local population from accessing medical and other essential services. Malnutrition rates among children are on a constant rise.

In spite of the extremely challenging security situation, ACT members continue to render assistance to the most needy Palestinian families who live in remote areas unattended or under-attended by other relief agencies. Their primary field of action rests with emergency food and non-food distribution, emergency employment and health. This appeal comprises humanitarian projects that are a continuation of activities started under the previous ACT appeal.

Out of special concern for this problematic area, the ACT Co-ordinating office in August deployed a Field Communicator in the area and recently released written and audio materials, including photographs showing the reality of the Palestinian territories. They are made available on the ACT web site.

This appeal is a result of joint planning of the ACT members the Middle East Council of Churches/ Department of Service to Palestine Refugees (MECC/DSPR), the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) Jerusalem/West Bank/Gaza and the Lutheran World Federation/World Service (LWF/WS) working together within a fully functioning ACT Forum.

Please note that the ACT appeal MEPL-22 will remain open until the end of November this year to enable continued financial support and implementation of humanitarian programs of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

Project Completion Date:

DSPR - 31 March 2004

IOCC - 31 May 2004

LWF - 30 September 2004

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested

Signed by:
Thor-Arne Prois, ACT Director

For full details of proposals and budgets, please click below to download a PDF file of the entire Appeal.

Palestinian Territories - Assistance to Civilian Victims of Conflict - MEPL31 (file size: 73 Kb)

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