Pictured above: Palestinian children inside a room in one emergency shelters in the Gaza Strip.
We are facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza. Millions of people in Gaza have been displaced from their homes and are living in overflowing refugee camps. Access to food, medical supplies and clean water is extremely limited, causing dehydration and unsanitary conditions, breeding grounds for diseases. In southern Israel, hospitals are overwhelmed, hundreds of hostages are unaccounted for, and thousands of civilians have been displaced. And around the world, the crisis has driven an increase in hate crimes and prejudice.
At Global Impact, we’re proud to uplift the passionate work of our partners responding to the myriad of crises resulting from this violence. That’s why we launched our Israel-Palestine Crisis Fund to directly support the organizations responding to — and preparing to respond to — the immediate and long-term needs of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Listening to leading humanitarian voices is another way we can ensure we’re getting real-time, evidence-based information and expert opinions. Below, we’ve compiled a situation update from some of the messages of humanitarian leaders as they navigate this crisis. Our partners are calling for peace, explaining the effects of the conflict and answering the call for help despite overwhelming complexities and blockades.
Calling for Humanitarian Access and International Law to be Upheld
“The horrors of the last week tear at the most fundamental tenets of humanitarian work as well as of humanity itself. The Laws of War were developed in order to protect civilians in conflict and it is vital that they are respected in all circumstances. International Humanitarian Law is the way that previous generations have learnt to mitigate the worst of war and I plead for it to be adhered to.” — David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, Inc.
“Civilians, including children, people with disabilities, and older people should never be treated as bargaining chips.” — Lama Fakih, Middle East and North Africa Director at Human Rights Watch
Coming Together to Advocate for Peace and Justice
“Our solidarity knows no bounds and resides with Palestinians and Israelis as they grapple with catastrophe. Our unequivocal condemnation of intentional deprivation of freedom and violence toward civilians doesn’t lessen the urgency for our long-term demands for justice. It’s hard to sit with these truths in our minds, but I believe this is at the crux of our mission and our basic common humanity.” — Abby Maxman, Oxfam America President and CEO
Providing Humanitarian Aid
“Within Gaza, our amazing team continues to buy essential items, such as food, hygiene kits, and water – all distributed to many thousands of displaced families staying in shelters.” – Sandra Rasheed, Anera Country Director of Palestine
“HI has strong partnerships in Gaza, and a network of 300 volunteers trained to serve as first responders in crises or emergencies. Since the bombings began, some of them have found refuge in shelters; others are on standby waiting for a cease-fire to be able to move.” — Danila Zizi, Humanity & Inclusion Country Manager for Palestine
Please consider a donation to the Israel-Palestine Crisis Fund to uplift these leaders’ critical humanitarian work, including:
- Distributing medical supplies to care for the wounded
- Sheltering displaced families
- Delivering hot meals and food parcels
- Supplying basics like hygiene kits, bedding, and diapers
- Protecting access to safe drinking water
- Offering mental health and psychosocial support
We know what it’s like to feel helpless in the face of such tragedy. But during these dark times, we can look for the helpers — those responding to the crisis with care and those speaking up for people in need — and offer our support.
