Jerusalem, 30 January 2009-World Vision delivered emergency supply kits into Gaza today, where the parcels containing food and candles will be distributed on arrival by local staff to hundreds of the neediest families in southern Gaza's Rafah area. Another shipment is planned for North Gaza this weekend, to reach a total of 1,144 struggling households this week.

These truckloads of World Vision supplies will reach more than 9,000 people with food staples to last for up to a month. Food, blankets and candles are among items most urgently needed by people living in Gaza because of the damage to the infrastructure and widespread loss of basic possessions during the 22-day military incursion there.

Items in the kits include canned tuna and beef, vegetable oil, beans, lentils, tea and biscuits. They also include a picture brochure in Arabic that warns families about the dangers of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and how to recognize and avoid it.

'As we meet these vulnerable households' immediate needs, we also call for conditions that will allow recovery for families throughout Gaza – most urgently for the opening of all border crossings to full capacity to permit humanitarian aid and specialists,' said Charles Clayton, national director of World Vision Jerusalem.

'Responding to the overwhelming material and psychosocial distress of the many civilians in Gaza requires no less.'

World Vision's emergency response within Gaza has already reached more than 3,000 people in vulnerable households with food supplies for several weeks through a food voucher programme. A shipment of 5,000 blankets is prepared for delivery early next week, and hygiene kits will follow.

In addition to material necessities, child protection and well-being will be addressed through 'Child Friendly Spaces' that give children a safe haven in which to play, rest and interact with each other.

A June 2008 study conducted by World Vision in north Gaza showed children experienced alarmingly high levels of recurrent nightmares and anxiety-induced bedwetting linked to prolonged exposure to violence and fear. Local staff report the numbers of traumatised children increased dramatically during the incursion, and existing psychosocial intervention programmes will be continued to help them heal emotionally.

World Vision aims to reach more than 100,000 people with its relief and early recovery assistance in coming months, including emergency job creation, rehabilitation of agricultural land and greenhouses, and rehabilitation of fishing industry.