Honouring the Palestinian people living through the Gaza crisis

Friday, November 29, 2024
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“All efforts to alleviate our suffering are truly appreciated, especially in such difficult circumstances. The humanitarian situation is tragic and unbearable. I was a successful merchant with a good reputation before the war, and now I rely on aid.”

Those are the words of Gaza resident Khaled, who is living through the hunger crisis made significantly worse by the past 13 months of war between Israel and Hamas.

Over 44,000 people have lost their lives to conflict, over 100,000 people have been injured, and food insecurity is rampant across Gaza as families struggle to cope with the impacts of the ongoing conflict.

There are parts of northern Gaza where virtually no aid has been allowed to be delivered in over a month. Throughout the region, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get food, water, fuel, and medical supplies to the people who need it the most – people who are now living with a level of desperation for the necessities that nobody should have to go through.

Through our two Foodgrains Bank members (Mennonite Central Committee Canada and Development and Peace-Caritas Canada) and their local partners responding in Gaza, we’ve assisted 34,440 people in northern and middle Gaza with food baskets providing up to two weeks of assistance per basket.

On International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people (November 29), we’re sharing the personal experiences of Gazans who have received support through our participating members and their partners:

“My son asks for biscuits every day, and I can’t afford to buy them. They are rarely available in the market, and when they are, they’re very expensive. I am so grateful. Thank you for fulfilling my son’s wishes, and I hope you continue to provide more assistance for me and my children.” – Raghda

“As an elderly person with chronic illnesses like high blood pressure and diabetes, and no children to help, I am unable to work. I am deeply grateful for the food parcel, as my wife and I now have something to eat.” – Amin

“I prayed from my heart for help. You are the blessing God sends. My family had nothing to eat but we have now.”Ahmad

“As a widow, I felt immediate relief and happiness when I got the message that food was on the way. Knowing what’s inside the parcel made my excitement even greater, as there was no food left at home for my children.” – Sally

“I survive on aid, and since the start of the war, not a single shekel has entered my pocket. I struggle to meet my family’s needs, so these food parcels are a silver lining, helping us endure these difficult times.” – Adnan

“My young son was so excited to hear that we’d receive a parcel from Catholic Relief Services with Maamoul (date biscuits). He refused to attend the children’s activities in our camp today until I brought the parcel home so he could enjoy them.” – Shadi

Call to Prayer

Please join us in prayer for:

  • an end to conflict, and for hostilities to cease as soon as possible,
  • safe passage for urgently needed humanitarian aid to get through to the people who need it most,
  • local partner staff, that they would find hope in their work as they serve their communities while living through the crisis themselves
  • the women, men, and children experiencing hunger conditions in Gaza, that they would receive the urgent support they need to survive this crisis.

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