Amid the ongoing events in the Middle East, London-based charities have taken action to provide aid and assistance to those impacted by the crisis. Give It Forward Today (Gift), based in

Hendon, north London, is assisting Israelis, while Medical Aid for Palestinians (Map) in Islington is delivering aid to Palestinians.

Gift immediately sprang into action upon hearing of the attacks by Hamas in Israel, gathering essential supplies for those forced to leave their homes. Shira Joseph, a member of the organization, stated that they were working tirelessly day and night, collecting donated items such as toothbrushes, sleeping bags, food parcels, thermal clothing, and other sleeping materials. She expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming response they have received.

Rabbi Naftali Schiff, the charity's founder, explained that the spontaneous outpouring of support from the local Jewish community, many of whom have friends and family in Israel, enabled them to accumulate a substantial amount of supplies to distribute through partner organizations within Israel. These supplies are intended for civilians, particularly families who have been compelled to flee their homes near the Gaza border, where tens of thousands have been displaced, and many families have suffered casualties.

On the other hand, Map is providing healthcare support to Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories and refugee camps in Lebanon and Jordan. The charity's chief executive, Melanie Ward, emphasized the widespread shock and concern in response to recent events. Map's work involves assisting medical facilities, supplying essential resources, and ensuring the health and well-being of those affected by the recent developments in Gaza.

Ms. Ward shared that they have been heartened by the response they have received from people of all backgrounds and faiths across London. When the dire situation began to unfold, their colleagues on the ground promptly released medicines and medical supplies to Gaza's hospitals, valued at over £1.3 million, along with mattresses, blankets, and hygiene kits for the displaced individuals. Given the precarious situation with bombings and power outages, the charity is working to purchase all the remaining medical supplies in Gaza and deliver them to hospitals while they still can. Photo by OneArmedMan, Wikimedia commons.