Until two years ago most charitable donations for political causes in the Arab world were channelled through private networks or religious institutions. Arab governments, stung by criticism that their citizens had provided money to extremist groups such as al-Qaeda, were nervous of such gifts.

Israel’s invasion of south Lebanon in 2006 changed that, however, as Arab satellite TV channels raised public outrage and provided the focus and technology for donations. Three years on, the machinery to raise funds for the beleaguered Palestinians of Gaza is even better oiled.