This World Humanitarian Day, and every day, ShelterBox stands with our partner organisations and colleagues who dedicate their lives to supporting others, often in the most dangerous and challenging environments.  

Since the start of June, three team members with our partner, Palestinian Agricultural Development Association (PARC), in Gaza have been killed in Israeli attacks. Their names are Haitham Juma, Ahmad Sa’ad, and Batoul Abu Samra. 

As we honor their memory, we continue to call for a permanent ceasefire, for all civilians to be protected, and for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza. 

These reflections come from their friends and colleagues. 

Haitham Juma

“My colleague, “Haitham Juma”, a father of two children from Rafah, was ever-present in the field of humanitarian work since the beginning of the war on Gaza. He was a symbol of selflessness and dedication. I can’t recall a single time he stepped back from his humanitarian duty, no matter the circumstances. Despite the pain, he always carried hope.

Haitham was among the first to respond in every humanitarian field effort, working under the harshest conditions. He started with Agricultural Relief as a volunteer with the Community Protection Committees, and later as a staff member. He devoted his time to serving displaced people. Even after he and his family were displaced, he continued to be among the first to act, providing shelter, water, and food to others.

Haitham was killed while trying to obtain food aid to feed his family.”

Arafat Deid, PARC team, Gaza.

Haitham Juma was killed in an Israeli airstrike on 2 June.

Ahmad Sa’ad

“Ahmad Sa’ad had been by my side for seven years in the media, advocacy, and lobbying department. He had just graduated from the Faculty of Media when he joined us, only a few weeks after completing his university studies. We agreed to support each other from the very beginning. He was deeply respectful and modest.

We were apart for a year and a half when I was displaced to the south, and he remained in Gaza. I was constantly worried about him, afraid he would be killed before I could see him again. It was as if fate waited for me to return, so we could work side by side once more, in the same office.

Ahmad left this life, but his innocent smile has never left me.”

Nuha Ashareef, the Lobbying and Advocacy Coordinator, PARC team, Gaza.

Ahmad Sa’ad was killed in an Israeli airstrike on his home in Gaza City on June 27, along with members of his family.

Batoul Abu Samra

“Batoul was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known, compassionate, creative, and deeply ambitious. Her humanity was beyond words. She always had a passion for humanitarian work and helping people.

She was dedicated to reaching the most vulnerable, listening to them, and forming meaningful connections on a personal level.

She loved children, and she radiated positivity and support to everyone around her. Fear was never in her vocabulary. To her, nothing was ever impossible…I believed she would survive this brutal war.”

Beisan Khawaja, PARC team, Gaza.

Batoul Abu Samra was killed in an Israeli airstrike on July 1. On the same day, nearly her entire family was killed.

Together in grief and solidarity 

Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with their families, friends, and our colleagues at PARC. Their deaths are another stark and painful reminder of the grave and unacceptable dangers faced by civilians and humanitarian workers in Gaza and around the world.

We unequivocally condemn all violence against humanitarian workers – individuals who dedicate their lives to serving others. We continue to call for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza, and for all parties to uphold their obligations under international law.

These growing threats serve as a sobering reminder that humanitarian work is becoming more dangerous, demanding even greater courage and resilience from humanitarian workers. Their safety, in all contexts, must remain a global priority.

In Gaza, the immediate priority for affected communities is access to food and medicine. While ShelterBox’s emergency shelter aid is ready and waiting, ongoing restrictions prevent us from reaching those in need. We have additional aid pre-positioned in Jordan, including enough tents to shelter thousands of people, but we cannot move it into Gaza until access is granted. A permanent ceasefire and an end to the fighting are essential to ease the immense suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and uphold their human rights.

A day of remembrance

On World Humanitarian Day, we remember all humanitarian workers who have been killed while living and working in areas in crisis. We commit to continuing their work safely and with determination. For Haitham, Ahmad, Batoul, and countless others who serve humanity under the harshest conditions, we honor your dedication and your legacy.