Violence has escalated after months of ongoing tension across the region. Over 32,000 people have been killed and thousands more have been injured or deemed missing. In Gaza specifically, a ‘total blockade’ is in place, cutting off 2 million civilians from access to food, electricity, and fuel. 

United Nations officials are warning of an impending famine; the total number of housing units destroyed or damaged accounts for over 60% of all housing units; and more than 90% of the population has been displaced with hundreds of thousands of people sleeping in the open with inadequate clothing to fight the cold.

The attack on the health system has been particularly devastating. The World Health Organization (WHO) says 14 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

Our partners are also continuing to work on the procurement and stockpiling of water, food and non-food items, and medical supplies, to be delivered once a pathway for humanitarian aid is established.

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. 

Gaza has been described as an “open-air prison.” Years of restrictions on movement coupled with blockades have left over 2 million residents stuck with little hope of bettering their lives. Reports conclude that Gaza will soon become “unlivable” if this continues. The conflict has also led to one of the biggest refugee crises 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. Join us and support our brothers and sisters in their time of need.

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.