(December 31, 2008)-- Save the Children has launched a $10 million fundraising appeal for Gaza as the humanitarian crisis deepens for thousands of children affected by the crisis.

More than 300 people have been killed in Gaza - including an estimated 39 children - and tens of thousands have been displaced following four days of air strikes and rocket attacks. Save the Children is calling for a peaceful solution to the current crisis that endangers the life of nearly every child in Gaza, and the lives of Israeli children in areas subject to attacks. Thousands of children, who are already suffering from the physical and psychological effects of the violence, are now facing an increased risk of malnutrition due to acute food shortages.

Even before the latest outbreak of violence, 50,000 Gazan children were malnourished, more than two-thirds of all children suffered from vitamin A deficiency and almost half of children under age 2 were anemic. Lack of access to food, clean water and medical supplies exacerbate threats to their health and well-being.

"With malnutrition rates already very high, children are extremely vulnerable to disease," said Ned Olney, a director for emergency response at Save the Children. "A cessation of hostilities by all parties and free access for humanitarian assistance will allow aid agencies to provide much-needed relief to vulnerable children. Save the Children staff in Gaza have assembled over 1,000 food packages, which could feed as many families for two weeks, but it is not safe to distribute them."

In addition, many families also lack access to clean water for cooking, drinking and hygiene purposes. Sewage pipes have ruptured, electricity is not available to power pumps and drinking water is increasingly scarce

Of the 1.5 million people living in Gaza, 1.1 million are dependent on food aid from agencies like Save the Children. Now, all families in Gaza are being forced to survive on food they were able to store at home before the attacks began four days ago. Most shops are closed or do not have supplies.

Save the Children's fundraising appeal will help provide children and families affected by the bombing with vital food, water and medical supplies.

But the agency warns that without an immediate ceasefire by all parties, reaching those who are in need is difficult. ENDS Save the Children needs your support to help us meet the most critical needs of children and families in Gaza. Your donation will help us provide drinking water, improved sanitation, food distribution and other necessities.