April 24th, 2024, marks 200 days since the recent escalation in violence and relentless brutality against the people of Gaza. We must acknowledge and address this heartbreaking reality of their suffering, which weighs heavily on our conscience.
Over this period, more than 34,000 Palestinians, including 14,000 innocent children, have lost their lives to the brutal onslaught. The majority of Gaza now lies in ruins, with vital infrastructure such as homes, schools, hospitals, and water facilities targeted and destroyed.
The protracted violence perpetrated against innocent civilians in Gaza is unprecedented, leaving a trail of devastation and despair in its wake. According to UNRWA, a child in Gaza is killed or wounded every 10 minutes, highlighting the unimaginable horror faced by these children.
Since October 7, 2023, hospitals in Gaza have repeatedly been targeted, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that only 10 out of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are minimally functional, leaving countless lives at risk due to inadequate medical care.
The scale of destruction is unimaginable, with 62% of homes destroyed and over 1.9 million people displaced. The majority of Gaza has been reduced to rubble, and the cost of damage to critical infrastructure is staggering.
Widespread food insecurity has further exacerbated the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with 1.1 million people facing catastrophic levels of hunger, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). This situation particularly places children and the elderly at risk, with the presence of starvation and acute malnutrition among half of Gaza’s population. The urgent need for a coordinated humanitarian response to provide emergency food aid, nutritional support, and sustainable solutions to improve food security among the population is pivotal.
Islamic Relief has been present in Gaza since 2007, responding to the needs of families in the region. We have been on the ground since October 7, 2024, responding to and assisting families in Gaza. Our teams in Gaza have distributed food aid, medical supplies, daily ready-to-eat meals, vegetables, and psychosocial support for children who have been through trauma. We urge our local donor community to stand with the people of Gaza and continue supporting them in their time of need. Your support ensures that families in Gaza can access the necessities they need to survive.
Islamic Relief’s foremost priority demands an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Fundamental necessities such as food, fuel, and medicine must be allowed to reach those in need without restriction. The UN Security Council Resolution 2728, which advocates for a temporary ceasefire, must be implemented and extended for good. Preserving human life should be the guiding principle in all actions undertaken. We can’t be silent while our brothers and sisters and the children of Gaza suffer.
As we reflect on the 200 days of ongoing violence in Gaza, it’s clear that the need for support remains as crucial as ever. We are grateful to everyone who has supported this cause thus far, whether through donations, spreading awareness, or Dua. Let us continue raising awareness and being the voice for the voiceless. We ask Allah to accept our efforts. As we continue to stand with the people of Gaza in their time of need, let us reaffirm our intention and commitment to peace and justice.