The Severe Circumstances of Palestine
Gaza is facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to the unprecedented attacks that began on October 7th, 2023. This has led to over 1.9 million people being forcibly displaced, with thousands of deaths reported. The infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, homes, roads, water facilities, and power plants, has been destroyed, leaving Gaza in ruins. The most vulnerable – children and the elderly – are facing starvation and malnutrition, with some families resorting to consuming grass and leaves to survive.
The Crisis Calls for Urgent Action
The situation in Gaza is dire, with reports indicating it is one of the worst humanitarian crisis currently. The need to prevent a man-made famine is urgent, requiring the immediate delivery of lifesaving aid, including food, medicine, fuel, and hygiene items, to the vulnerable population in Gaza. However, the challenges in getting aid into Gaza are immense.
Challenges in Delivering Aid and the Consequences of Limited Humanitarian Access
The 17-year air, land and sea blockade and the absence of a ceasefire pose significant obstacles and restrictions to the flow of essential aid into Gaza. The tightly controlled access points determine which goods are permitted to enter Gaza. Even critical items such as cancer medicine, anaesthetics, and water filters are denied entry, exacerbating an already dire situation.
Before the recent escalation, around 500 trucks a day entered Gaza, but the current needs exceeded this capacity, requiring at least 800-1,000 trucks daily. Yet, in the past few months, only around 130 trucks a day, on average, have managed to pass through. However, delivering aid within Gaza is dangerous, with ongoing attacks, bombings, and damaged infrastructure posing significant risks to our teams and civilians alike.
Islamic Relief’s Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza
Despite the challenges, Islamic Relief is responding and providing aid to those in need. In partnership with the UN World Food Programme, we prepare and distribute nutritious hot meals daily. Efforts are underway to deliver essential supplies via the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings. However, more support is needed to address the escalating crisis adequately.
The Way Forward and Advocating for Change
Addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis requires immediate action. The current aid efforts are insufficient to address the enormity of the crisis. A ceasefire and an end to the blockade are essential to ensure the well-being of the people of Gaza. International governments must demand immediate action to alleviate the suffering and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza’s population, as mandated by international law.
You can help make a difference
We must stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza who face of unimaginable hardship. Advocating for a ceasefire, increasing humanitarian access, and donating to lifesaving aid can help save lives and bring hope to those affected by the ongoing crisis. Let us be a voice for the voiceless and strive for a better future for the people of Palestine. More than ever before, we need to keep our brothers and sisters in Gaza in our Duas (supplication), so let us turn to Allah, seeking His assistance to alleviate their suffering.