Egeland recently visited Gaza. He described a civilian population engulfed by destruction, desperation, and despair. People are living in constant fear.
“Famine is a growing threat here, as millions of trapped people face a nightmare of violence and starvation,” said Jan Egeland.
He reported that the children of Gaza are visibly malnourished, reduced to searching the streets for food and assistance.
“It is unimaginable that an entire population is left to starve while vast amounts of supplies sit waiting just a few miles away across the border.
Despite this, in between the bombardment, the chaos, panic and communication blackout, our colleagues have been able to provide support to people in need. Since 7 October we have given lifesaving aid to more than 100,000 people in Gaza.
“I want to thank our donors, both the governmental donors and individual donors for us being able now to expand our relief work in this ocean of needs,” Egeland says.
Thank you for supporting people forced to flee in Gaza.
Our response so far includes:
- Since 7 October 2023 our teams have distributed water, cash, tents, shelter kits, bedding, blankets, sleeping mats, jerry cans, hygiene kits and kitchen sets to more than 100,000 individuals at 12 displacement sites.
- In addition, we are hosting play-based activities and psychosocial support programmes for children. These services are tailored to help children cope better with stress and trauma, while preparing them for a return to learning. We have also started parent clubs, with joint activities for both children and their parents.
- We recognise that this support is not enough while the bombs continue to fall. We are therefore advocating tirelessly for a permanent ceasefire so that Palestinians in Gaza can get their lives back.
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