MCC Canada is working with the Al Najd Developmental Forum to meet the needs of residents in the Gaza Strip who have been affected by the conflict with Israel.
In response to the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas militants, Israel began an aerial bombardment and complete blockade of the Gaza Strip by restricting the entry of food, water, fuel, electricity and communications. The ongoing attacks have destroyed civilian buildings, healthcare facilities, and food security infrastructure, including bakeries, markets, food shops, fishing ports and agricultural lands. To date, over 25,000 residents have been killed and 85% of the population has been internally displaced, often multiple times.
With only insufficient and irregular supplies of humanitarian aid being permitted to enter via the Rafah crossing, the 2.2 million already-vulnerable residents are facing dire food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly for young children and pregnant and lactating mothers.
The project will provide 2,000 vulnerable households (approximately 12,000 individuals) with five distributions of in-kind, food baskets (each worth CAD$65). The food basket will cover 25% of household food needs for one month. Given the current instability and logistical challenges, the timing of the response and what is distributed may change, but consultation, involvement and the protection of women will be paramount.