WHAT IS HAPPENING IN GAZA?
PLEASE DONATE TODAY TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY SHELTER FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED IN GAZA.
Up to 1.9 million people are currently displaced across Gaza. With famine looming, many continue to be displaced repeatedly – often with no adequate shelters left to move to.
Israeli ground and air attacks in central Gaza are displacing tens of thousands of people already living in tents. Deir al-Balah is overcrowded and densely populated. It’s simply not possible for everyone to leave. People are being directed towards al-Mawasi – a coastal area of farmland with minimal infrastructure and an area that has been attacked before despite being declared a safe zone. Many are walking, carrying what little they have but not everyone can go – those who are injured, elderly, or disabled. And people are starving.
Nine in ten people in Gaza have already been displaced at least once. Now, there are even fewer places left to go.
Image credit – Mohammed Zaanoun
Since October 2023, over 90% of homes have been damaged or destroyed, and much of the region’s farmland has been bombed. As a result, communities are now almost entirely dependent on humanitarian assistance. Every day, more civilians are being killed. They must all be protected – along with the critical infrastructure they rely on – humanitarian warehouses, medical clinics, and water systems.
The lives and human rights of millions of Palestinian people who live in Gaza, and the hostages, must be protected.
For nearly three months, Israel blocked all humanitarian aid. In May, following international pressure, it designated the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as the sole authorised aid provider within the territory. Hundreds of civilians have reportedly been shot dead by Israeli soldiers while waiting for food assistance, and thousands more have been injured.
This dark and inhumane chapter is unfolding in plain sight, in front of the entire world, and it must be brought to an end. Do not stop talking about Gaza.
A tribute to our partners in Gaza
Three colleagues with the Palestinian Agricultural Development Association (PARC) – one of our long-standing partners in Gaza – have been killed in recent Israeli attacks. Batoul Abu Samra was killed in an Israeli airstrike on July 1, the same day nearly her entire family were killed, Haitham Juma was killed on 2 June, and Ahmed Saad was killed in an airstrike on his home in Gaza City on June 27, along with members of his family.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with their families, friends, and our colleagues at PARC. We stand with them in grief and solidarity.
Their deaths are a stark and painful reminder of the grave and unacceptable dangers faced by civilians and humanitarian workers in Gaza. These risks continue despite protections explicitly guaranteed under international humanitarian law. We unequivocally condemn all violence against humanitarian workers – individuals who dedicate their lives to serving others. Their protection and that of all civilians must be non-negotiable. The humanitarian response must not be impeded. Lifesaving aid must be allowed to reach those in need – safely, swiftly, and without interference.
We continue to call for an immediate end to the violence and for all parties to uphold their obligations under international law. The human suffering in Gaza must end.
How much aid is getting into Gaza?
After blocking aid for 11 weeks, on Monday (19 May), due to external pressure, Israel began to allow a trickle of aid to cross the border. The Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is the only approved aid distributor in Gaza. GHF gives out food and supplies, but only through four checkpoints in the south. These places are controlled by soldiers and are hard for many people, especially those living in the north, to reach. Many aid groups say this system is dangerous, politically motivated, and inadequate.
Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed while trying to access this limited aid, and thousands have been injured. There have been reports of civilians being shot at while waiting for food. This has contributed to an intense climate of fear around accessing humanitarian support. Deliberately preventing the access of lifesaving aid is being used as a weapon. People are dying slowly – from disease, the lack of food, clean water, and medical supplies.
ShelterBox has been working with local partners, who were already present in Gaza, and are closely monitoring the situation.
Credit: Mohammed Zaanoun.
MOH'S STORY: SEARCHING FOR SECURITY IN GAZA
ShelterBox responded in Gaza in 2004, 2008, and 2015. In the 2015 response, we supported the family of Mohammed Eid, known as Moh. He and his family received a ShelterBox tent and other aid after their home was destroyed in an air strike.
“Tents became a precious commodity. Thankfully, we had a tent when we needed it most, immediately after losing our house. It offered almost everything we needed within the first 24 hours following displacement. Along with the tent came mattresses, blankets, a first aid kit, and a food package.”
Now living in the USA and working for Rotary International, Moh has shared with us his experiences in Gaza. He has also shared his response to the current crisis taking place there.
Moh standing in the remains of his family’s home after it was destroyed in airstrikes in 2014.
WHERE WILL MY DONATION GO?
When giving to ShelterBox you are contributing to a general donation fund.
Your support today will contribute to our Gaza response as part of our General Fund. We believe that the best way for us to be impactful is by staying flexible, and it is essential that we have funds available to support those affected by disasters around the world.
Image at top credit – Mohammed Zaanoun