A LEADING member of a York-based international aid agency is preparing to make a humanitarian trip to the devastated Palestinian refugee camp Jenin.

Jane Carter, chief executive of UNA International Service based in Goodramgate, is due to head for the war-torn city in June.

Jenin has been at the centre of recent Israeli army attacks on Palestinians, which the Israeli Government says are a response to terrorism.

Large parts of Jenin have been razed to the ground.

Ms Carter has appealed to York people to provide funds to pay for the equipment UNAIS needs to carry out its work. She said: "We have a field office in Jerusalem with eight staff operating in the area.

"Our staff have worked with Palestinian grass-roots organisations in the field of special needs, agricultural development, human rights and education for over 20 years.

"Never before have we seen such destruction and appalling loss of life."

She said: "Disaster relief work is what is needed. If this were a natural disaster the international community would be responding with great speed to free people from the rubble of their homes. The tragedy is that this is a man-made disaster, and aid agencies are forced to stand by while people die in the ruins because Israel won't let us in.

"Over the last couple of weeks it has become clear that people living in this town have not got access to the most basic things.

"They really do need our help."

Any donations from the people of York would be used to pay for food, water and medical supplies for communities affected by the fighting, Ms Carter said.

"Every penny people donate will go straight to the people who need it. Nothing is deducted for administration or anything else."

UNAIS has been based in Goodramgate since 1990. It is a non-political humanitarian charity which supports the aims and ideals of the United Nations.

Anyone who would like to make a donation should send it to UNAIS, 57 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7FX. Cheques should be made payable to 'International Service (Palestine Appeal)'.

For more details, ring the charity on 01904 647799.

Updated: 12:04 Monday, April 22, 2002