Palestine
2009 Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
2009 commenced in the midst of a war in the Gaza strip, which left over 1,400 dead, thousands injured and Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins.
Most of Gaza’s population was forced into a substandard existence, struggling to survive with no food, running water or electricity. Hospitals could not deal with the magnitude of casualties and supplies ran dry within the first few days of the conflict.
Responding urgently to the humanitarian crisis, Islamic Relief launched a multi-million dollar appeal within hours of the launch of hostilities. That same day, Islamic Relief delivered $126,000 worth of medical supplies to Gaza’s most undersupplied hospitals.
Click here to read Islamic Relief's response one year later to the 2009 crisis in Gaza.
Islamic Relief also delivered food packages to 5,000 households in Gaza, and distributed 1,000 blankets for those left homeless. Collaborating with the United Nations, Islamic Relief also delivered four ambulances and 10 trucks of powdered milk.
To read more a detailed account of Islamic Relief’s response to the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis, please click here.
Living in Poverty
A staggering majority of Palestinians are dependent on international aid for survival, with millions living in refugee camps for generations. Economic development has been stifled by political instability, constant conflict and the erection of a barrier that has virtually trapped people in their villages.
Islamic Relief is tackling the causes of poverty by creating jobs and helping hundreds of Palestinians establish businesses with interest-free loans.
In the refugee camps, Islamic Relief runs Educational Enhancement Centers where children have access to computers, books and toys. The centers provide extra classes for children and counseling for children suffering from psychological trauma.
There are countless more Palestinians in desperate need of assistance, however. Please donate today to help Islamic Relief ensure that every needy Palestinian is taken care of.
Children of Conflict
Decades of violence has forced the youngest generations into leading damaged lives. Many children have been injured or killed in the violence, while others have been traumatized by the fear of living in a hostile environment.
Education has also been disrupted and malnutrition rates continue to rise. Islamic Relief aids injured and distressed children in its Integrated Care Program which was established in 2001.
Over the years, Islamic Relief has also helped hundreds of children cope with severe physical injuries such as those suffering from lost limbs or paralysis. Islamic Relief also rehabilitated the Modernization of Artificial Limbs and Polio Center in the Gaza Strip where injured children can receive treatment.
Islamic Relief donors sponsor more than 6,000 orphans in Palestine.
Islamic Relief in Palestine
Islamic Relief has been working in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip since 1994, officially opening a Gaza office in 1998.
For over a decade, Islamic Relief has been aiding the Palestinians with food distributions, medical relief, small business loans, and orphan sponsorships, in addition to numerous other services.
Islamic Relief has also established educational enhancement centers, care programs for psychologically traumatized children, and a school for the deaf.
Today, Islamic Relief endeavors to help conflict-affected communities with projects such as infrastructure rehabilitation, livelihoods recovery and an integrated care programs for traumatized children.