Aid organisation World Vision New Zealand is taking donations as part of a global partnership effort to provide emergency assistance to 50,000 of the most affected people in Gaza.
World Vision internationally is aiming to raise $1.72 million to provide food parcels, blankets and other basic supplies to
vulnerable families as soon as the situation in Gaza permits.
"Our priority now is to assist those who are living in intolerable conditions with limited access to food, water or medical facilities," World Vision's national director for Jerusalem-West Bank-Gaza, Charles Clayton said.
"Eighty per cent of the people in Gaza are already dependent on food aid, and even those who had relied on a meagre daily income now find that it is no longer available."
Israel unleashed a massive bombardment following the end of a six-month ceasefire on December 19, aimed at weakening Hamas and in response to persistent rocket fire from the enclave.
Israeli rockets have targeted government buildings, mosques, universities, police stations and other civilian buildings in the deadliest conflict in Gaza in four decades.
Israel has said militants were using some holy sites to hoard weapons and as command centres, and that other buildings were linked to Hamas military operations.
World Vision staff in Gaza noted that after days of bombing, the number of children showing signs of trauma was rapidly increasing.
Due to continued shelling, World Vision's activities in the Gaza Strip have currently come to a halt.
World Vision New Zealand's chief executive Lisa Cescon said their concern was for the poorest people particularly children.
"It is our firm belief that every child has the right to live in safety, free from violence, fear and poverty
-NZPA
