At times like this most people just feel so powerless as to what they can do to help the situation.

Even after doing such stuff it still doesn't seem enough or even effective, but we should still try.

This is as much a reminder to myself as to anyone else.

On their site MPAC have have a template letter one can use to write to their local MP to ask that they speak out to oppose these attacks.
If you don't know who your local MP is you can check here
(It's really simple and an email only takes a couple of minutes. Some may discard simple copy and paste emails so type it out yourself and add whatever else you want to it. BUT remember to always be polite.)

MPAC also have a list of things they recommend on their site: 5 simple things you can do to help the Palestinians

Also charities are running emergency appeals for Gaza. Charities confirm that they do have aid workers on the ground there, so we do know that some aid is getting through.
To donate you can call Interpal on 0208 961 9993
or Islamic Relief on 0800 520 0000

I shall be calm.

The money does not go on food. There is no shortage of food being delivered to the area, the question is how and when it gets into Gaza. Israel not only allows various supplies through, it often provides them, but not when defences are up. I'll also risk your wrath suggesting that the longer Israel is not allowed to comprehensively defeat Hamas, the longer Hamas will continue its low-level attacks on Israel and the more Israel will have to beat Hamas non-comprehensively, which is indefinite and causes very prolonged injustices to the civilian population. Unless someone has a convincing suggestion.

I am not going to look at MPACUK's list as it is bound to annoy me but I respect you want to help Palestinians, which is good (although why MPACUK and its friends don't give a damn about conflicts not involving the west or Israel I don't quite know, it's as if there's an ulterior motive), so I would recommend something that isn't about sending cash to nonspecific causes - perhaps instead a donation for medical care, the Palestinian Red Crescent? Unless you aren't fussy how your money gets used.

I find the tone of your whole post condescending...

Manners, as it happens, don't cost a penny.

Your assumptions of my thoughts are bizarre.

And just for your information the 'how' and 'when' of food supplies getting through are pretty crucial I'd say.

Your statement about Israel's generousity I find a little sick. At least be honest to yourself.

As for risking my wrath, you're alright, right now I have more important things to focus my energy on. And I can accept that you do not feel what I feel.

Your issues regarding MPACUK I don't care about.

And thank you but I am quite content with who I am donating to. AND I am very fussy with how my money gets used.

That wasn't intended as an offensive post, it's an honest reaction, and as offensive as Imaani's post clearly is the sentiment is forgiveable. What you might forget is I speak regularly to close family and friends in Israel and don't express these opinions lightly. Imaani, you might dislike that but manners don't cost. It's nice of you to let me know you don't care, I suspect you have sound reason to be angry.

I'm on mobile so this is brief. If it's condescending please forgive me that. I'm taking a break anyway, it's personal for me and perhaps others and I've spoken on the subject. Still up for discussing it but I've been here before and it warrants a break for me.

Best wishes.

Joie de Vivre wrote:

That wasn't intended as an offensive post, it's an honest reaction, and as offensive as Imaani's post clearly is the sentiment is forgiveable. What you might forget is I speak regularly to close family and friends in Israel and don't express these opinions lightly. Imaani, you might dislike that but manners don't cost. It's nice of you to let me know you don't care, I suspect you have sound reason to be angry.

I'm on mobile so this is brief. If it's condescending please forgive me that. I'm taking a break anyway, it's personal for me and perhaps others and I've spoken on the subject. Still up for discussing it but I've been here before and it warrants a break for me.

Best wishes.

I am not angry at all. I said what I did how I did because I found your post offensive because of its condescending tone. My post isn't (or at least was not intended as) more offensive than yours was to me. Sometimes you can't hear or recognise disrespect in your own words unless you get it back.

Like I said I accept your stance I just didn't like you speaking down to me. I saw no reason for it as we've always got on. Yes it's a sensitive subject but I believe it can be discussed without sounding all patronising.

Enjoy your break and best wishes to you too.