Conflict in Gaza Kills Hundreds: Help IOCC Speed Relief to Families Caught in Attacks

INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHARITIES (IOCC)
110 West Road, Suite 360, Baltimore, Md. 21204
Tel: (410) 243-9820 - Fax: (410) 243-9824
Web: www.iocc.org - E-mail: news@iocc.org

December 31, 2008

For Immediate Release

Conflict in Gaza Kills Hundreds: Help IOCC Speed Relief to Families Caught in Attacks

(Baltimore, MD) The deadliest conflict in Gaza in four decades has killed hundreds and wounded thousands. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) has released emergency funds and is working in cooperation with other humanitarian aid organizations to deliver medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to Gaza hospitals that are stretched to capacity. "Gaza was already in a desperate situation before this increased conflict with a significant lack of food, medicine, fuel and electricity. All commodities are in scarce supply," said Dirk Lackovic-van Gorp, IOCC's Representative for the Palestinian Territories.

Although it remains difficult to get supplies into Gaza, IOCC is working with organizations that have significant operations inside the territory and who are in touch with government officials and United Nations personnel to gain access. Lackovic-van Gorp reports that the greatest need now is life-saving drugs and medical supplies to equip hospitals which have been forced to turn away the injured.

Before this latest conflict, IOCC had announced a new initiative for Gaza including food and hygiene supplies and repairs to youth centers through an Action by Churches Together (ACT) appeal. IOCC is currently working in cooperation with ACT members to respond to this emergency. IOCC has implemented a variety of educational and school repair programs in the Palestinian Territories since 1997 when it opened its first office in Jerusalem.

IOCC, founded in 1992 as the official humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), has implemented over $275 million in relief and development programs in 33 countries around the world.

Media: Contact Amal Morcos at 410-243-9820 or (cell) 443-823-3489.