The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) hopes to raise $500,000 to help people living in Gaza, affected by the conflict in the Middle East

Its chief executive officer Benjamin William said: "Millions of people have been displaced from their homes and many have even had to leave their country. They are in dire need of humanitarian aid to meet their daily needs."

The SRC will focus on providing immediate relief supplies such as food parcels, emergency and basic health care items, hygiene kits, and water and sanitation, he said.

It will accept donations at the Red Cross House at 15 Penang Lane, from Monday July 21. Cheques can be mailed to that address, with "Middle East Humanitarian Response" written on the back of the envelope.

As this donation goes overseas, there will be no tax deduction allowed.

This follows SRC's initial commitment of humanitarian aid worth US$30,000 (S$37,500) in support of humanitarian operations in the Gaza strip, Iraq and Syria (US$10,000 each).