Islamic Relief has been present in Gaza since 2007 and is actively responding to the latest escalation in violence since October 7, 2023. Despite the unimaginable circumstances in Gaza, our team on the ground remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the people of Gaza. The region has been forcefully devastated, with escalating violence exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Since the recent escalation in October, Islamic Relief has allocated over 200 million rand in aid and has been instrumental in providing vital support to Gaza. Since the onset of the escalation, Islamic Relief has prioritised the distribution of medical supplies to support local hospitals and health facilities in treating wounded civilians.
Our aid efforts have expanded to encompass various essential services. One of the key initiatives has been the provision of food assistance to displaced families. Islamic Relief has cooked and distributed over 2 million ready-to-eat hot meals, ensuring that families have nutritious food despite the challenging circumstances. In addition, thousands of food parcels, vouchers, and vegetable packs have been distributed to alleviate food insecurity.
Everything is currently dire in Gaza. Islamic Relief has recognised the critical need for nutritional support and provided lipid-based nutrition supplements (LNS) to over 23,000 people, including young children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. These supplements are designed to address malnutrition before it becomes life-threatening, offering essential nutrients to those most at risk.
We have also prioritised psychosocial support, particularly for displaced children who have endured traumatic experiences. Through engaging games, entertainment, and fun activities, over 70,000 children have been provided with a moment of leisure, joy, and smiles amid the chaos.
Water and sanitation facilities have been purposefully targeted in Gaza – a fundamental human right and need. Water and sanitation hygiene are essential considerations in our aid efforts. We have distributed hygiene kits containing essential items such as soap, toothbrushes, and menstrual hygiene products to nearly 44,000 families. We have also installed sanitation facilities for 10,000 and provided clean water supplies to thousands of families. These initiatives are crucial in preventing the spread of disease and promoting overall health in vulnerable communities.
Our orphan sponsorship program has grown, and we currently support 10,624 children in Gaza, providing financial assistance to their families for essential supplies and shelter during this critical time.
Despite the challenges posed and security concerns by the ongoing crisis, Islamic Relief continues its humanitarian efforts and remains committed to providing aid to those in need. Partnerships with organisations such as the UN World Food Programme (WFP) enabled us to expand our reach and impact in Gaza. By working together, we have distributed emergency food supplies and nutritional supplements to thousands of individuals, contributing to the alleviation of malnutrition and disease.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our local donor community for their unwavering support and trust. However, the need for assistance remains urgent, and Islamic Relief calls for continued support to ensure that vital aid reaches those most in need in Gaza. Most importantly, let us keep the people of Gaza in our duas. Allah is the changer of conditions and circumstances. Let us seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness and for Allah to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.