by Brigid Rowlings, LHI Communications Director
As soon as the scale of the humanitarian emergency in Gaza was apparent, LHI’s Founder and Director Hayley Smith and Director of Monitoring and Evaluation Jaron Malyon were on the ground in Egypt vetting organizations and developing partnerships that would quickly get humanitarian aid into southern Gaza and ensure that aid was distributed to civilians in need.
Our continuous efforts in Gaza involve distributing essential aid through with local organizations linked to the Egyptian and Palestinian Red Crescents. Through our partnerships, we're delivering critical items like ready-to-eat food, medicines, and vitamins directly to those in need.
In partnership with the Middle East Children’s Alliance, we're addressing child malnutrition with medications, vitamins, and fortified foods. Swift relief, including ready-to-eat food, fresh vegetables, and hygiene supplies, is being provided both inside and outside of Gaza. We are also preparing essential food boxes.
To learn more about our ongoing efforts and support initiatives in Gaza, visit our dedicated Emergency Response page.
5 Facts about Gaza.
The history of the conflict between Israel and Palestine is long and complex, and we encourage you to learn more about the history.
All facts accurate as of November 10, 2023.
A section of fence that separates the Gaza Strip from Israel.
Image Credit: JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images
1. People Can’t Leave the Gaza Strip
Since 2007, Gaza has been under an indefinite blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt. Until October 7, 2023, 17,000 Gazans had work permits for Israel, but now, no one can leave. Even if they could, there's fear of not being able to return. A few severely injured individuals were recently taken to Egypt, after weeks of negotiations for foreign passport holders to leave, with some still stuck in Gaza.
2. The humanitarian situation in Gaza was critical even before October 7 .
In 1948, many Palestinian refugees fled to Gaza, forming a significant part of the population. Gaza has experienced multiple invasions and occupations until 2005 when Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ordered a complete disengagement.
In 2006, Hamas gained a substantial number of seats in Palestine's parliamentary elections, subsequently taking full control of the Gaza Strip. Most of the international community has now designated Hamas a terrorist organization, leading to aid cutoffs. A recent poll shows that many Gazans do not support Hamas due to reduced aid and support. And, since there have been no elections since 2006, Gazans have not had an opportunity to vote and choose their leaders for the past 17 years.
Representatives from our partner Middle East Children’s Alliance distribute aid to a Gazan mother whose family has been displaced.
3. An estimated 1.5 million Gazans have become displaced since October 7.
Rocket strikes, destroyed homes and neighborhoods, a decimated healthcare system, and low supplies of food and water are some reasons people have become displaced. On October 13, IDF planes dropped leaflets in northern Gaza advising residents to move south ahead of a ground invasion, which also contributed to the displacement of so many people.
4. The healthcare system has been decimated.
Nearly half of Gaza’s hospitals and over 70% of primary care facilities have shut down because of damage from airstrikes, dwindling fuel supplies, and simply from running out of medicine entirely. Remaining hospitals are barely functional, conducting surgeries, even for children, without anesthesia. The lack of essentials like water and iodine hampers the ability to provide sanitary care.
Dr. Mohammed Qandil at Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis told the New York Times: “We are making hard decisions…All the people who come here, we cannot save them. The hospital doors are open, but the care we are able to give — it is negligible.”
Children and families have sought refuge at schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency within Gaza. These children walk amongst debris from a recent airstrike.
Image credit: Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images
5. Children are disproportionately affected by the crisis.
A recent study found that 51% of Palestinian children had a friend or acquaintance die from political or military violence even before the current conflict began. “[Children’s] sense of the world is shattered. They don't feel secure in their families. They don't feel secure in their relationships with others. They're constantly on guard.”