Historical Roots: 

The current situation in Palestine is deeply rooted in a complex historical context. Beginning with the British Mandate in the early 20th century, tensions rose as Jewish immigration increased, leading to the UN's partition plan in 1947. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and subsequent conflicts, such as the Six-Day War in 1967, resulted in the occupation of territories and the displacement of Palestinians. Attempts at peace, like the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, faced challenges, and ongoing disputes over settlements, Jerusalem, and resources persist. The historical backdrop involves a web of political, historical, and religious factors, shaping the multifaceted challenges faced by the people in the region today.

Neighborhoods in Gaza: 

• North Gaza spans a length of 10km (six miles) and is connected to Israel through the exclusive Beit Hanoon crossing, also recognized as the Erez crossing. The Jabalia refugee camp, the largest in the Gaza Strip, is situated in North Gaza.
• Gaza City, boasting a population exceeding 750,000, stands as the largest and most densely populated city. Renowned neighborhoods like Remal, Shujayea, and Tal al-Hawa characterize the city. Notably, the Remal neighborhood houses al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip.
• Deir el-Balah serves as one of Gaza's primary agricultural hubs and hosts four refugee camps: Nuseirat, Bureij, Maghazi, and Deir el-Balah. Along the district's boundary with Gaza City lies Gaza's only operational power plant.
• Khan Younis accommodates around 430,000 residents, featuring the central Khan Younis refugee camp with approximately 90,000 inhabitants.
• Rafah, located at the southernmost tip of Gaza with a population of about 275,000.

Gaza's Hospital Crisis: 

Over the course of 3 days (from November 10, 2023), at least 32 patients, including six premature babies, have lost their lives at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza due to the Israeli siege, leading to a shutdown of Gaza's largest medical facility because of fuel and medicine shortages. The hospital, once a place of healing, held over 100 bodies awaiting burial, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation. The World Health Organization's director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, condemned the transformation of hospitals into scenes of death and despair. Israel's total siege, initiated on October 7, has left the entire territory, housing 2.3 million people, without essential supplies, leading to the closure of all hospitals in northern Gaza. At the time of this attack, relentless Israeli air strikes had already claimed over 11,000 lives, predominantly women and children, prompting global calls for an immediate ceasefire.

Unfolding Tragedy: 

The Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip has reported a staggering death toll, surpassing 29,313 Palestinians since the initiation of Israel's military campaign on October 7. This devastating toll includes at least 12,300 children and 8,400 women among the victims. Additionally, more than 69,333 individuals have been injured, with at least 8,663 children and 6,327 women affected. The grim statistics also reveal that over 7,000 people are currently missing. In the occupied West Bank, the latest figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health report at least 395 people killed, including 105 children, and more than 4,450 individuals injured. These harrowing numbers underscore the severe humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention and intervention to address the disproportionate impact on civilian lives amid the ongoing conflict. 

Every Hour In Gaza:

• 15 people are killed - six are children
• 35 people are injured
• 42 bombs are dropped (based on the first 6 days of war)
• 12 buildings are destroyed

Islamic Relief strongly condemns all violence and is calling for an immediate ceasefire, an end to Israel’s siege and for international law to be upheld. Since 1997, they have been actively engaged in providing humanitarian relief in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, serving as a lifeline for communities struggling with the devastating effects of the occupation and recurring conflict. Despite encountering substantial challenges, their dedicated team and local partners in Gaza persevere in delivering vital aid. Their initiatives encompass the distribution of medical supplies to hospitals and the provision of life-saving support to families in need. This includes delivering ready-to-eat meals, hygiene kits, and counseling services for children.

How is Islamic Relief USA providing aid for Gaza? : How Aid is Getting Into Gaza - Palestine Emergency 2023 - Islamic Relief USA - YouTube

Healing Hearts for Palestine's Efforts

Our fundraising campaign aims to not only generate funds but also raise awareness about the pressing issues in Palestine in a thoughtful and impactful way. We plan to connect with our school and local communities through diverse events, utilizing social media to broaden our reach. This approach seeks to foster a profound understanding of the ongoing crises overseas while actively involving our supporters in meaningful ways.

How Can You Help?

Supporting the people in Palestine requires both awareness and action. Individuals can contribute by staying informed about the situation, engaging in open and empathetic conversations to raise awareness, and sharing credible information through social media platforms. Donating to reputable humanitarian organizations providing aid in Palestine is another impactful way to make a difference. Additionally, advocating for peace and justice in the region through petitions, contacting political representatives, and participating in community events helps amplify the collective voice for positive change. Educating oneself on the historical and cultural context of the conflict fosters a more nuanced understanding and empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to the cause. Every small effort, whether it's raising awareness, making a donation, or actively participating in advocacy, collectively contributes to a more compassionate and supportive global community.

What your donations can help provide:

• $25 - Help provide essentials
• $50 - Deliver food aid
• $100 - Relief for emergency survivors
• $150(+) - Deliver hygiene kits
• $500(+) - Can help people in need of medical assistance 

Every dollar that you donate will help us provide aid and support to our struggling brothers and sisters in Palestine.