Violence has escalated after months of ongoing tension across the region. In Gaza specifically, a ‘total blockade’ is in place, cutting off 2 million civilians from access to food, electricity, and fuel. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, over 39,000 people have been killed and thousands more have been injured or deemed missing. A recent study in The Lancet, a peer-reviewed general medical journal, has found the true death toll could reach more than 186,000 people.

United Nations officials are warning of an impending famine; about 55% of all infrastructure has been destroyed; and more than 90% of the population has been displaced.

The attack on the health system has been particularly devastating – only 10 out of 36 of Gaza’s hospitals are partially functional, facing challenges with the shortage of medical staff and lack of essential medical supplies. They also shared that more people will die of disease if we’re not able to put the health system back together and provide people with the basics of life.

While issues related to the delivery of humanitarian aid persist, IRUSA partners are continuing to work on the following interventions:

• Distribution of food parcels sourced by local farmers in Gaza to displaced families 
• Provision of hygiene kits to people in shelters
• Provision of vital medical supplies to three hospitals including Hayfa Hospital, Al-Awda Hospital, and Al-Ahli Arab Hospital
• Access to mobile clinics for 23,400 people in shelters
• Immediate trauma response for 4,000-5,000 people 
• Winter aid including blankets, mattresses, and winter clothing

Currently, all funds collected for Palestine are supporting our emergency efforts in Gaza. By donating today, you can help make a difference in the lives of those in most need.

Stay tuned to this page for ongoing updates.

Living under occupation and a constant threat of violence, Palestinians have been robbed of nearly every basic human right. Food insecurity; poor water quality; limited access to healthcare; lack of education opportunities; high unemployment; and restricted movement are only a few of the many problems the people of Palestine are forced to face in their daily lives. 

The Palestinian refugee crisis is one of the biggest our world has faced. More than 7 million Palestinians have been displaced. Our hope is to show the people of Palestine they have not been forgotten. 

Thanks to you, we’ve been able to accomplish so much. But there’s still so much more to do. By continuing to support our efforts in Palestine, you can help make a difference in the lives of those in desperate need.