We, Ann-Marie & Marc Falconer, celebrate our birthdays this month and so would like to suggest that instead of giving presents you make a donation to Embrace the Middle East's Gaza Appeal.

There is an immediate need for medical supplies, shelter, and fuel to keep generators (including hospital generators) going (their only reliable source of electricity). Pregnant women expected to give birth this week will have little or no access to hospitals or even medical staff to help them at home.

Even when the current devastation ends, the children of Gaza have experienced the intense trauma of living through this bombardment, the loss of friends and family, the fear of what will happen next. That is why Embrace the Middle East works through their partners to provide ongoing support and counselling alongside the day-to-day life-saving provisions.

• £20 could help to provide medical supplies such as medicines and bandages.

• £50 could provide fuel to keep generators running, providing power to clinics and hospitals.

• £100 could provide trauma support for children.