The BBC's misguided attempt to 'avoid controversy' by refusing a charities' emergency appeal for Gaza has turned into a major crisis for the publicly-funded Corporation, say outraged critics.

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander has joined aid agencies in urging the BBC to broadcast a charitable appeal for Gaza, which it has refused to do for what critics call "political reasons."

Following an Israeli-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza, Palestinians are only beginning to realise the scope of their losses from a three-week Israeli onslaught, says the director of the Anglican Al Ahli Arab Hospital.

The UK-based international development agency Christian Aid is sending emergency funds to its partner organisations in Gaza to help them respond to the humanitarian crisis.