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A humanitarian appeal in the Middle East has raised £13.5m.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is made up of fifteen UK aid charities who launched a humanitarian appeal to address the “overwhelming” need in Gaza, Lebanon and the Middle East.

They are raising urgent funds for millions of people in the region who are in desperate need of food, water, shelter and medicine after fleeing their homes.

In Gaza, the majority of the population has been displaced by Israeli attacks.

Similarly, in southern Lebanon, large numbers of people have been forced to leave their homes amid the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The British government has said it will match the first £10m of donations from the public.

The appeal has now reached £13.5 million.

DEC Executive Director Saleh Saeed previously said: “Millions of people, including many thousands of children, are suffering almost unimaginable trauma.

“Many have been displaced multiple times and have no home to return to.

“Food and medical care are now scarce and families are faced with devastating choices to survive.

“DEC member charities are responding right now in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank, providing life-saving food, water, shelter and medicine – this humanitarian support is a vital lifeline for millions of people in overwhelming need assistance

“But our member charities urgently need more funds to meet the huge levels of need. We are asking people to donate now to save lives.”