Although the ceasefire in Lebanon has brought its people a fragile peace, in the Palestinian Territories the conflict rages on with almost daily raids and violence.

Over 1 million people in the Gaza Strip are threatened by a humanitarian crisis adding to existing burdens. An estimated 70% of the population already live below the poverty line, surviving on less than $2 a day.

The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, leaving families without land, work or food. Homes, fields and roads are demolished during military raids and ongoing blockades.

Food Crisis

Three-quarters of Palestinians in Gaza now depend upon food aid for survival, according to UN estimates.

Even when food is available, many people cannot afford it because they have not been paid for months due to an embargo on funding for the government.

Unemployment

“I wanted to study or at least work to help my family,” says 19-year-old Nabil, “but I can’t find anything.”

An intelligent young man, Nabil hoped to continue his education, find a job and support his family. But he cannot afford to go to university, and employment is rare in Gaza.

Nabil’s Dream

Nabil is the eldest of ten siblings who live with their parents in a small house in Bait Lahia in the north of the Gaza Strip. Unemployment and poverty blights their lives.

Nabil’s father, Mohammed, owns some land which used to yield a small income. However, in the recent conflict this too has been destroyed. “I have nothing - no work and no income,” says Mohammed.

Unfortunately, his story is repeated across the Gaza Strip.

Emergency Aid

To tackle the daily hardship, Islamic Relief is distributing food parcels to families in crisis. So far, 11,000 families have received parcels containing enough food for a month. Another 22,000 families will also receive the same.

Feeding and clothing his large family is desperately difficult for Mohammed. He used to be a construction worker but travel restrictions forced him out of work six years ago.

Mohammed says the food parcel his family received was the first help from aid agencies to reach him so he is extremely grateful.

Please help us to reach more Palestinian Families with food & water by donating now.

US$30 / 24 Eur / £16 will buy a Food Parcel to feed a family for a month.