Israeli singer Avital Raz will join Derby musicians to raise cash for Gaza children

A HOST of Derby performers are joining together to help raise money for children affected by the Gaza attacks.

Local musicians, poets and comedians will all entertain at the fund-raising event at Ye Olde Dolphin Inn tomorrow.

They will be joined by Jerusalem singer Avital Raz, who said she was one of many Israelis who wanted to support the relief effort and the people of Gaza.

Acts are lined up to perform at the Queen Street pub between 3pm to 9pm.

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Admission is free, although people will be asked to make a donation.

All proceeds – including from food and a raffle – will go to the Save the Children emergency fund for Gaza.

Israel launched an offensive against Gaza, which it says was aimed at ending rocket fire from the Palestinian territory, with the killing of a Hamas military leader earlier this month.

It is believed that at least 30 children were among the estimated 158 who were killed there in the attacks while others have been left traumatised.

Their families are running out of money to feed them, while hospitals are running low on supplies and homes and schools have been badly damaged.

A fragile ceasefire is in place but the humanitarian needs remain "huge", according to Save the Children.

Alex Schein, the charity's country director, said: "Children are being deeply affected by what they have experienced and many could need specialist care and support. The fear among adults is unbelievable so you can imagine what it's like for children."

Among the local acts lined up to perform at tomorrow's event are Bleeding Hearts, Paul Miro, Bob Kettle, Gary Thatcher, Karl & The Marx Brothers, Harriet McDonnell, Laura Taylor and Delicata.

Event co-organiser John Atkin said everyone involved had been keen to take part.

He said: "We've all seen the distressing pictures of dead and injured children.

"Families in Gaza who are already used to living in very difficult conditions are now running out of food and water.

"The idea behind Sunday's event is to step back from the political rights and wrongs of what's happening and do something to help those who are directly affected. As long as a ceasefire holds, that gives organisations like Save The Children the best chance to begin a safe relief operation, which makes events like this one all the more important right now."

While it is safe to do so, Save the Children teams will distribute food parcels, water and shelter materials to families, as well as provide vital medicines to hospitals.

The charity will also set up child spaces with specially trained staff and counsellors to help children cope with their experiences.

"It is a dangerous and terrifying time for children," said Osama Damo, part of the Save the Children team in Gaza.

"With so many children already malnourished and suffering from anaemia, the impact on children's health is potentially devastating.

"There is no clean water, so children are going to have to start drinking the polluted tap water soon, which is going to cause more severe health problems. When they fall ill their parents can't take them to hospital."

Those unable to attend the fund-raising event but wish to support the cause can donate online by visiting www.savethechildren.org.uk .