Nakba Day and its significance to Palestinians
On May 15 we commemorate Nakba Day, mourning the ongoing atrocities Palestinians face. Here we look at the day’s origins and significance.
Gaza’s severe humanitarian crisis has left its people in urgent need of critical care services. In Northern Gaza, especially, with the bombing of Ahli Hospital, approximately 1 million people have no access to functioning ICU services.
Even before its destruction, Ahli Hospital’s ICU provision — three beds shared between adults and paediatrics — was wholly inadequate to handle medical, surgical, and trauma cases. Resulting in multitudes of patients with treatable critical conditions (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis, sepsis, acute cardiac failure) dying of preventable complications.
Now, patients are routinely passed around overwhelmed medical centres, such as the Indonesian Hospital or Al-Shifa Hospital, that lack the infrastructure to provide urgent care. Which has only worsened the odds for their survival.
To prevent more deaths in an already devastating crisis, the Gaza Ministry of Health (MoH) plans to open a new 15-bed ICU within a refurbished building at Al Shifa Hospital.
The establishment of this unit is an urgent, life-saving project that will have an immediate and profound impact on the lives of critically ill patients in Gaza.
PANZMA is working closely with ICU clinicians and MoH ICU heads to assess the needs for this ICU. Identified vital specifications include ventilators, monitors, and infrastructure. The ICU also needs to be sustainable under siege conditions, fitted with equipment such as ventilators operational without external gas sources and closed inline suctioning to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia.
While refurbishment of the building for the ICU is fully supported and underway, its specific required equipment has not been secured yet. This is where Islamic Relief Australia steps in.
We are helping PANZMA raise awareness and drive funds for this new and vital ICU. Combined, we have fundraising strength, technical expertise, field experience, and logistical capabilities. Where, together, we have an opportunity to create lasting change at a time when it is needed most.
Gaza endured over 15 months of massacre and misery. Now, with the violation of the ceasefire, airstrikes continue to rain on Gaza.
The death toll climbs to over 53,977, with a heartbreaking 17,841 children and 12,298 women among the casualties.
Over 121,966 people, at least, have been injured. More than 11,200 people are missing, with 70% of them being children and women.
The suffering of the people also continues. Approximately 1.9 million people (90% of the population) are displaced. They live in horrific conditions with little food, water, or sanitation.
Gaza is also in ruins, with over 87% of homes, 85% of schools and 65% of roads, and 94% of health facilities damaged or destroyed. Overall, the situation remains a crisis in need of dire attention.
Islamic Relief Australia is dedicated to providing life-saving medical aid to vulnerable communities.
Right now, thousands of people in Gaza urgently need specialised heart care, but the healthcare system is in crisis. Hospitals are struggling with severe shortages of medical resources, outdated equipment, and a lack of trained specialists.
Together with the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association (PANZMA), Islamic Relief Australia is leading an urgent effort to restore and strengthen Gaza’s cardiac services. As well as the healthcare system in general.
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in Gaza, yet access to specialised cardiac care is severely limited. With hospitals facing shortages of equipment, medication, and trained specialists, thousands of patients cannot receive the treatment they need. This project will restore and strengthen lifesaving cardiac services to save lives.
Your donation will help provide advanced medical equipment, train local doctors and nurses, expand treatment options, and support telemedicine initiatives. Every contribution brings life-saving cardiac care closer to those who need it most.
PANZMA (Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association) has extensive experience in medical relief efforts and works closely with the Palestinian Ministry of Health. This partnership ensures the project is implemented effectively and aligned with Gaza’s healthcare priorities.
Yes. Islamic Relief Australia follows strict financial governance and transparency guidelines. We work with on-the-ground partners to ensure that every donation directly supports the rehabilitation of cardiac care in Gaza.
Instead of building a new facility, we are restoring and strengthening existing hospitals to ensure a faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable solution for cardiac care in Gaza.
Yes! Monthly donations help sustain long-term cardiac care, ensuring continuous medical support and training for local healthcare workers.
Yes, donations to Islamic Relief Australia are tax-deductible. You will receive a receipt for your contribution.
You can support by spreading awareness, fundraising within your community, or partnering with Islamic Relief Australia as a corporate or community sponsor.
On May 15 we commemorate Nakba Day, mourning the ongoing atrocities Palestinians face. Here we look at the day’s origins and significance.
Gaza is in the grip of starvation. 2 months of Israel’s total closure have left markets empty and famine conditions spreading.
Amid the escalating assault on Gaza, how is Islamic Relief delivering aid? Read this current update on how our teams are still on the