The Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) is today launching radio and TV appeals for public funds to help those affected by the earthquakes and typhoons that struck last week.

The official broadcast of the Disasters Emergency Gaza Crisis Appeal on ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 earlier this week doubled the total money received overnight to more than £1 million. But more is needed.

Bishop William Kenney, part of a delegation of Catholic bishops from Europe and North America who visited Israel-Palestine this month, has expressed regret at the BBC's refusal to show a charity appeal for Gaza.

A House of Commons motion criticising the BBC and Sky for refusing to broadcast a plea for humanitarian aid funding for Gaza has been backed by 112 MPs. Actors and directors are also joining the protest.

BBC director general Mark Thompson this morning added to confusion and public annoyance over his decision to ban a non-partisan charitable appeal for victims of the conflict in Gaza.

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."

Teams from Disasters Emergency Committee member agencies, along with flights of emergency relief items, are now reaching those affected by Cyclone Nargis. DEC is calling for urgent donations to the DEC Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Appeal.