London [UK], December 26: A top aid worker has described the "unprecedented scale" of human devastation in 2023 as he warned of the "intense trauma" likely to impact victims in Gaza for decades to come.
The British Red Cross has launched four separate emergency appeals this year, as well as continuing its work to support those affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine. The desperate situation brought about by conflict, earthquakes and floods across various parts of the globe can leave "deep trauma and psychological impacts on those affected," especially children, Rory Moylan said.
Reflecting on the year's events, the head of region for Europe and the Middle East at the British Red Cross told the PA news agency: "2023 has seen human devastation on an unprecedented scale. As the conflict in Ukraine has continued, so has our Ukraine Crisis Appeal and this year we've launched our Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal, Morocco Earthquake Appeal, Libya Floods Appeal and Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory Appeal.
"The fact we've had cause to launch four emergency appeals this year gives you an idea of the scale of the humanitarian support that is needed right now." He described a "desperate situation" in Gaza, where colleagues in the International Committee of the Red Cross have told of children becoming sick as they face winter without proper clothing.
Moylan was part of a delegation of aid agencies who met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in October to brief him on the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. At the time the charity confirmed the King had made a "generous donation" to its fundraising appeal for the region.
Some 1.9 million Gaza residents - more than 80 percent of the population - have been driven from their homes.
Moylan added: "The conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory has created a desperate situation with staggering humanitarian needs and intolerable suffering.
Moylan spoke of the lasting impact likely to be felt by those living there, saying: "If the fighting stops tomorrow, the reconstruction and the recovery will take a decade or more.
"Mentally, people won't ever recover in some cases."
"Across Ukraine, Turkey, Syria, Morocco, Libya, Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and beyond, thanks to your help we've been able to help people caught up in these awful disasters and endure the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
"I have seen on the ground the difference these donations have made and continue to make."
Source: Qatar Tribune