Author: Nadya Labiba

Mohammad Najibi, a photographer for Islamic Relief based in Afghanistan’s Herat province, recounts a year spent witnessing the indomitable spirit of his fellow Afghans as they rise from the ashes of despair following a devastating earthquake in October 2023. As winter approaches, he shares the stories of families facing the cold with little more than a tent to protect them from the elements.

Every click of my camera captures not just images. It also takes the raw emotions of families struggling to reclaim their lives amid the rubble. The tremors may have subsided, but the echoes of grief still linger. As winter approaches, I see those same resilient faces—filled with hope yet shadowed by uncertainty. Facing another harsh season with little more than their faith to survive.

Life in Afghanistan Where the Harsh Cold Hits the Hardest

As I draw closer to Shorabak village in the Injil district of Herat province, one of the areas hit hardest by the disaster, a striking contrast reveals itself. The serene beauty of the mountain trekking road, framed by a clear blue sky, soon gives way to a sprawling makeshift settlement that tells a different story. Tents, worn and weathered, pepper the landscape like the scattered memories of a once-thriving community.

It’s mid-October, and the few trees and shrubs are shedding their leaves, embracing the harsh winter. The air is filled with the smell of mud. It is mixed with dust that floats in the sunlight, creating shades of tan and brown.

In this challenging environment, families huddle together in their fragile shelters, their faces etched with worry. Young children cling to their parents, their laughter faint against the backdrop of uncertainty. Each passing day brings them closer to the brink. Their provisions dwindle as hope flickers like a candle in the wind.

As the crisp autumn air settled around us, I sat down with 2 remarkable survivors. We delved into their stories of resilience and preparation. Their eyes sparkled with the wisdom of experience as they shared how they braced themselves for the harsh months ahead. It wasn’t about stacking firewood, blankets, or food; it was sheer faith.

‘I fear these harsh winter months without supplies will break us’

“For the second year in a row, we find ourselves huddled together, facing the winter in a tent,” says Zainab, a mother of 4 living in Shorabak village in Herat. “My husband can no longer work in the fields.”

“Winter is creeping in, just a month away, and already the chill bites through our thin walls,” the 60 year old says. “I look around the tent, scanning for anything that might shield my family from the bitter cold. I can’t find anything.”

Tears well up as she speaks of her eldest daughter, just 33, who has been paralysed for the last decade.

“I cannot leave her, unable to fend for herself, just when I desperately need to gather food for the others. I fear these harsh winter months without supplies will break us.”

Driving into another village, we see how families were preparing for winter. The situation was even worse than I had anticipated. Due to the ongoing windy storm this time, few tents could withstand the elements near where their mud-brick homes once stood.

‘My children are woken by strong, cold wind shaking our tent at night’

“All my family belongings, including utensils and clothing, are trapped in my destroyed home,” Immamudin, 32, reflects sorrowfully. “For nearly a year now, I’ve been sharing this tent with my 3 young children and my pregnant wife. Soon, our 5 sheep will join us in this tent.”

He continues, his voice trembling, “The winter hasn’t even begun, but the nights are already biting cold, and I dread what’s to come. When it snows, I fear for my family’s safety.”

With a heavy heart, he adds, “I’ve had to set up our tent again and again as the strong winds relentlessly tear it down.

“We go to bed hungry most nights,” he admits, a look of despair crossing his face. “We rely entirely on the kindness of charitable organisations. It’s heartbreaking to watch my children suffer like this.”

At night, he finds himself huddling closer to his kids, whispering words of comfort as the cold wind rattles their temporary home. “I wrap my arms around them, trying to shield them from the chill. All I can do is ask for help—warm clothes and food—for my family’s survival.”

Immamudin’s daughter Fatima adds, “When the tents collapse on us, I wake up thinking it’s an earthquake. It is so frightening.”

‘I am pleading for your support to help my people endure the relentless grip of winter’

Zainab and Immamudin embody the heartbreaking reality many earthquake-displaced families face, struggling to survive an unforgiving winter. Their stories weigh heavy on my heart: resilient mothers and their children huddled together in a flimsy tent, their only shelter against the biting cold, with barely a few thin sleeping mats to cushion their weary bodies. The sight of their brave faces, alongside their sheep and goats, engaged in a daily fight for warmth, will forever haunt my memories. 

In this remote village, nestled among towering mountains, the weather can shift in an instant. One moment, there’s a fragile semblance of safety in their canvas tents; the next, a howling storm robs families of that fleeting comfort. The chilling realisation of what lies ahead looms closer with each passing day. The snow will blanket their fragile world in just a month, turning it into a frozen prison. The ice won’t just settle on the ground; it will creep onto the roofs of their tents, amplifying their struggle and turning survival into an excruciating fight against the elements. 

Against this harrowing backdrop, I am pleading for your support to help my people endure the relentless grip of winter.  

Islamic Relief supports vulnerable families in Afghanistan and elsewhere each winter, providing food, blankets, and fuel to help people face the cold months. Please help us to reach families in need this winter. Donate to our Winter Appeal now.

Donia currently lives with her 2 children in a camp for displaced people in Al-Baraka, Deir Al Balah. She is originally from northern Gaza but has been displaced to the south following the escalation in Israeli attacks. 

The people of Gaza have endured more than 1 year of intense suffering and relentless attacks. An astonishing 1.9 million people – 9 out of 10 people – have been displaced, often multiple times, from their homes and so-called safe zones since October 2023. 

Now, they must face a second winter far from their homes, and with safety and warmth long forgotten.   

A new type of winter  

“This winter is different from all past winters; it will be so harsh on everyone due to continued displacement,” Donia says.  

She describes trying to survive the worsening weather while living in makeshift tents with no real protection from the elements. “When it rained, we were drenched inside our tent. I have just 1 cover and a mattress and they are both full of rain. We felt cold and my little daughter didn’t have any warm clothes. We didn’t know where to go.” 

Surviving the cold in fragile tents

Winters in Gaza can be challenging, with temperatures sometimes dropping to 0°C. Many Palestinian families fled their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and have lost more and more belongings in each subsequent upheaval, leaving them with few resources to combat the cold.

Intesar describes how her family of 7 is struggling without these necessities.

“We do not even have [winter] clothes. My children wear their summer clothes and put jackets over them. At night they sleep wearing sweaters to avoid feeling cold,” the 35-year-old says.

3 children share a single blanket between them, and the family tries to huddle together at night to keep warm, but it is not enough to keep out the cold.

Whoever saves a life has saved all humanity

Islamic Relief’s annual Winterisation Program provides blankets, fuel and warm clothing to families in need. For many, this can be the difference between life and death. God reminds us in the Qur’an, “whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity.”

Last winter, we provided this vital support to 475,500 people across 18 countries.

For Palestinians, receiving such aid this winter means that at least they need not worry that they will die from the cold.

This year, we plan to continue supporting families in Gaza, while extending the program to reach even more countries than before. With your support, Islamic Relief can be a lifeline to even more people in need.

Please help us protect families from the worst of winter. Donate to our Winter Appeal now.

Every year, brutal winter conditions batter vulnerable communities around the world. As the cold months bring harsh conditions, many families must make difficult decisions. Will they put food on the table today? Will they buy gas to fuel their heaters?

This year, these decisions are being thrown into sharper focus for millions of people across the world who have been displaced from their homes amid natural disasters and conflict. 

Across the Middle East and Asia, where homes tend to be built to withstand scorching summers, many families are often ill-prepared for the realities of winter. Storms and blizzards can be brutal and devastating. 

In 2023, Islamic Relief Worldwide delivered winter essentials to more than 475,000 people in 18 countries, helping them survive the cold season.  

Our support included distributing thermal clothing to families in Albania and Bangladesh. We renovated and winter-proofed houses in Chechnya, and distributed tents in Nepal. We delivered food to hungry communities in Kosova and North Macedonia 

This year, more is needed.  

With deadly crises forcing millions to flee their homes, families from Lebanon to Palestine will struggle even more as temperatures plummet. 

In Gaza and Lebanon especially, hundreds of thousands of people face a brutal winter in makeshift shelters, not knowing where their next meal will be coming from.  

They face a struggle to feed themselves, a struggle to keep warm, and a struggle to survive. 

We won’t let them struggle alone. 

During harsh, cold conditions, your donation will be a lifeline to families in crisis.  

With your support, Islamic Relief will help more people than ever to survive the winter. Expanding our program. This year we will reach vulnerable individuals in 19 countries.

Whether they need food, hygiene items, supplies to repair their shelter, firewood, or cash or vouchers to buy warm clothes, your support can ensure their survival. 

With your generous donations, we will again protect families from the worst of the cold season. Donate to our Winter Appeal now. 

What is Ramadan? 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

During this sacred period, healthy adult Muslims are required to fast each day from dawn until dusk. This includes abstaining from drinking, eating, sexual relations, displeasing behaviours and anger. At the same time, other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and giving charity are encouraged during the Holy Month.

Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon, as the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle.

As such, the time the month takes place each year varies. Generally, it roughly moves back 10 or 11 days from its previous date in the more commonly used Gregorian calendar. 

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin around Friday, February 28, 2025, and end around Sunday, March 30, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon.

Why is Fasting Important During Ramadan?

As revealed in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (SWT) has made it obligatory for Muslims to fast during the month of Ramadan.

In these verses, Allah (SWT) establishes fasting during Ramadan as an important act of worship. He also emphasises the sacredness of Ramadan as the month the Quran was revealed and gifted to humanity.

The first day of fasting is expected to start on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

More Ramadan Acts: Giving Zakat and Other Donations

Ramadan is filled with many opportunities to earn rewards through good deeds and providing charity is one of them. From fulfilling Zakat to giving more Sadaqah, paying Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr) or repaying missed fasts through Fidya (Fidyah) or Kaffarah, there are many ways to give during this month.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself also gave more charity during this blessed month than at any other time. As narrated by Ibn Abbas:

Important Dates in Ramadan

The Night of Power – Laylatul Qadr

In Ramadan, Allah (SWT)’s great love and mercy towards us have made it so that every good deed we do in this blessed month is multiplied by many.

This is especially true in the last 10 nights of the blessed month, which are full of even greater rewards and blessings. This is because it contains the most blessed of nights: Laylatul Qadr.

In the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) says this about Laylatul Qadr:

Eid al-Fitr 

Eid al-fitr marks the end of the blessed month of Ramadan. The end of the Holy month is expected on the evening of Sunday, March 30, 2025.

This year Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on Monday, March 31, 2025. However, the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon for Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic Calendar.

As the recent escalation in Gaza, Palestine reached the one-year mark, approximately 322 aid workers and 986 health workers have been killed among the 43,204 deaths. 

We are relieved that, so far, no Islamic Relief staff have been injured or killed. However, all Islamic Relief staff have become displaced, many repeatedly. They are affected in the same ways as the rest of the people of Gaza.  

Several staff have lost family members in the bombardment since October 2023. 

Amid the dire situation, one of our aid workers in Gaza* began documenting his experiences whilst under siege alongside his wife and two young children. 

Here, we explore the challenges of providing aid in Gaza through his eyes, providing an insight into the firsthand experience of the violence and suffering due to Israel’s blockade in Gaza. 

Providing aid in Gaza among bombing and violence 

For humanitarian workers, one of the main challenges is trying to keep safe when there is nowhere to seek safety.  

Only days into the escalation, our colleague explained: “Moving from place to place is very dangerous – ambulances and police cars are the only vehicles in the streets when I look out my window. I am sometimes afraid to even look outside,” he said.

In August 2024, Israel targeted a space for prayer at Al-Tabeen School, where hundreds of displaced families had been sheltering. 

This incident shook our colleague’s team. “We used to deliver hot meals to that place every day. It was home to hundreds of displaced families,” his fellow team member told him. “Any one of our teammates could have been among those who passed away.” 

Our colleague explained his fears for his own life as he continues providing aid for the people of Gaza: “Every day I go to work thinking an airstrike could hit nearby. I went to meet with displaced families at one of the schools that have been turned into shelters and I was so afraid that something would happen while I was there, especially as targeting schools is the norm these days.  

“I can’t imagine why on Earth a school, mosque, or hospital could be seen as a target.” 

Palestinians live a lifetime of suffering

The people of Palestine have lived through many massacres and displacement orders, even before the escalation.  

Our colleague recalled how he had witnessed 2 intifada, tens of invasions, and countless escalations at the mere age of 40. 

“We have lived the hardest life,” he explained. “I have faced obstacles to travelling, to being accepted by the countries of the world, and to realising even my basic human rights.” 

This struggle is even experienced during childhood: “My kids – 8 and 6 years old – started their lives amid explosions and bombardment. Their concept of the world has developed under fire and airstrikes. They always ask why we are living like this. Every time they ask, I feel a tide of emotion rising up inside me.” 

Daily Life in Gaza: Being helpless in the face of death 

Despite the obstacles they face daily, our teams have provided nearly 2.3 million medical items to the people of Gaza since last October, as well as healthcare services for more than 9,900 people.  

But as the escalation has left 19 out of 36 healthcare facilities out of service or destroyed, access to medical care is among the many challenges for the people of Gaza. 

Our teams on the ground are doing everything to provide aid and medical care amid the ongoing bombardment. However, there are times when the situation becomes helpless.  

Our colleague recalled speaking with a fellow Islamic Relief aid worker, who had been working on a project which provided incubators for sick newborn babies. With depleting resources due to the escalation, these are now “the same babies who are now being left to die, without power to run their incubators.” 

“We are being deprived of everything. I think, if they could, they would even keep oxygen from us,” he said. 

Reflecting on the situation, his colleague said: “I can’t understand what is going on. We gave the incubators to Al Shifa Hospital to save the lives of newborn babies. Now, the whole world is watching the babies being slowly killed, live on television. I feel so helpless.” 

Witnessing communities being destroyed 

After returning to his old high school, which now serves as a makeshift shelter, our colleague took part in a distribution around July 2024. He reported on the dire living conditions that families faced. 

“I could only watch as we passed scenes of misery and suffering all around,” he said. “The beautiful places where I used to live had turned into a dystopian setting with darkness and rubble everywhere.  

The 2-hour field visit was a mere snapshot of the extent of the suffering, transforming a place that once held memories of his school days, to a shelter housing the most vulnerable.

“Our team was delivering vegetables at the school-turned-shelter. A man told me that it had been a long time since he’d been able to get any vegetables, and he was overwhelmed knowing he’d be bringing some back to his family.  

“These people used to get good food for their families, but now it’s a struggle to even get some vegetables,” he reflected.  

The struggle for water 

Despite being a major part of our teams providing clean water to over 250,000 people, our aid workers are struggling for basic provisions, like most of the people in Gaza. 

In October last year, our colleague explained that access to water started becoming scarce. “Most of us are at the point where we don’t care if the water is clean or not, we’re lucky to have any at all,” he said.

 “Families are now taking plastic gallon containers out with them in search of water,” he said. “We are flushing the toilet only 2 times a day, in the morning and at night, and we’re eating less food to avoid going to the toilet as regularly. 

“We wash for prayers only once or twice. My mum decided that only the adults can use water for this, the children will pray after performing tayammum [ritual cleansing without water].” 

Lack of food 

Our teams in Gaza have distributed more than 42 million hot meals to those in need, but they are no strangers to feeling the effects of hunger and increased cost of living. 

In many of his accounts, our colleague speaks of not being able to provide food for his family – “not because I don’t have money, but because there is no food” he explains. “The markets are empty. I can’t explain that to my children. Not even to my cat.” 

“Most of our diet is canned food. My daughter often has stomachache and pain due to poor food, while my son only has one meal a day, so he is hungry most of the time,” he said in one account.  

“All around me, I notice people becoming much thinner,” another account stated.

“Children are suffering the most, especially those that need special formula or flour. My family managed to ration our consumption of bread, water… everything. But I noticed my kids’ skin getting yellowish and pale from the poor diet.”

Displacement and loss 

Up to 1.9 million people have been displaced in Gaza in the last year. These figures also include our aid workers. They face evacuation orders from their homes or places of refuge multiple times and with nowhere safe to go. 

After fleeing his family home in October 2023, our colleague took shelter in his mother’s house in the south. His was among countless other families. His childhood home became a shelter for many of them for 10 months during the escalation. 

But Israel announced more evacuation orders in August 2024. Leading his family to uproot their lives and, once again, in search for safety. 

Talking about the sense of panic as they lost their place of shelter once again, he explained:

These are not only houses that they leave behind. They are homes where they grew up, created memories, and had lasting legacies. 

“I look at my father’s grapevine, which he planted when I was only 10 years old and lovingly tended until his death 2 years ago. I struggle to grasp leaving behind this 30-year-old vine, a living reminder of my dear father that has special meaning for all my family,” our colleague explained. 

“Today, my little boy asked if the Israeli army will destroy it, so even though the grapes are not fully ripe, I decided we should harvest them. They are ours. We are not leaving them behind.” 

Gaza: More than one year on 

Nobody is truly safe in Gaza right now. This is the deadliest violence against humanitarian workers that the world has seen in many years. 

Our colleague explains:

These accounts are only a mere snapshot of the suffering that aid workers in Gaza are facing. We cannot begin to imagine the extent of the challenges that they face. 

We are doing all we can to support our colleagues in Gaza at this time.  

Following more than a year of massacre and misery, our heroic teams are still on the ground and serving their community. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters, we are continuing to provide relief to the people of Gaza.

View our recent one year on feedback report to discover how your donations are supporting the people of Gaza. 

*These extracts are anonymised to protect the safety and security of our colleague.

Gaza: One Years of Atrocities, held in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, were events like no other. Brother Ayman Abdelhady, Marketing Lead at Islamic Relief Australia, shares the journey of hope seen by our team in organising these events. And how they changed both our lives and the lives of those in need.

When I think back on the last few weeks, what strikes me most is the deep sense of unity and purpose that carried each one of us through “Gaza: One Year of Atrocities.”

These events weren’t just gatherings. They were the result of a community’s shared determination. To stand with our brothers and sisters in Gaza. To relieve them from suffering. And to give them hope.

Organising events across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane taught me something more profound than I could ever imagine. For the incredible impact of this mission didn’t just come with the result. But it was also felt within the tireless work done behind the scenes by the many people who made it possible.

I want to share with you, their stories. For they are the real heroes behind this journey of hope and relief.

The Long Nights in Sydney: A Lesson in Leadership and Resolve 

In Sydney, our team poured countless hours into making sure every detail was in place.  

I remember late nights with Ammar and Zainab fine-tuning seating arrangements, Yimen overseeing logistics down to the AV system, Nadya and Arif perfecting presentations, and Nour driving social media outreach, while I was stressing out about the documentary (more to come on this later, continue reading).

Even on her holiday, Maie was making donor calls, while Meilina, Fatima, and Fartun worked tirelessly behind the scenes to boost ticket sales.  

Leading us through it all was our CEO, Samir Bennegadi, whose vision never faltered. Samir’s unwavering commitment, boundless energy, and a profound sense of purpose lifted each of us. He constantly reminded us that our efforts were more than tasks—they were a lifeline for Gaza.  

Nour Ahmed shared, “His words, resilience, and attention to detail made a deep impression on me.”  

Samir didn’t just oversee the events. He inspired every one of us to strive for more. To see our work as not only a duty, but a calling. And for that, I am grateful to work alongside a leader who embodies such dedication and purpose. 

Bringing Gaza’s Reality to Life: Bilal’s Masterpiece 

It’s hard to describe the impact of seeing Gaza’s struggles on screen, brought to life by the hearts and minds of Bilal Abdelwahed, and Peter Pham.  

Bilal was the main man in charge of crafting One Year of Atrocities – a documentary meant to capture Gaza’s reality from perspectives rarely seen. Through his brilliant directing and video editing, he shared stories of families from Gaza, the doctors who bravely treat them, and community leaders who continue to offer hope amidst unimaginable hardship.  

Samir, our CEO, summed it up best when he said, “People were glued to the screen.”  

Watching the audience’s eyes fill with emotion, I realised that Bilal’s work was more than a documentary. “It was a bridge connecting people’s hearts with Gaza,” says Ayman Abdelhady 

His creativity and dedication made this story unforgettable. And it left an unerasable mark on every person who watched it. 

Something we also wanted our online audience to experience too, right HERE, on our website.

A Doctor’s Courage: Honouring the Medical Heroes 

Gaza’s need for medical support is urgent. That urgency was echoed in the words and presence of the incredible Dr. Jamal, Dr. Bushra, and Dr. Mostafa.  

These doctors have served on the front lines in Gaza through our partner, PANZMA, and the stories they shared brought home the true cost of conflict. Dr. Jamal recounted a moment when he wished for his patient’s release from suffering — a stark, heartbreaking reality.  

Hearing them speak, I was moved by their resilience and selflessness. It reminded me that these doctors are more than healthcare providers. They are heroes, embodying compassion in the face of unimaginable pain.  

They’ve shown us what it means to serve, and their presence at the events was a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of our mission. 

Melbourne’s Celebration of Unity: A Community in Harmony 

When Dr. Mohamed Taha and the Melbourne team, Horia, Rahat, and Rabaa, gathered a diverse crowd from all corners of the city, I saw a community united by compassion.  

Dr. Taha’s dedication was instrumental in creating an event that transcended barriers, bringing together people from all walks of life. The atmosphere in Melbourne was truly something special. It was as if every person felt they were part of something much greater than themselves.  

Seeing so many people come together, bound by a common purpose, made me proud to be part of a community that stands in solidarity with Gaza. Melbourne’s event was more than just a gathering – it was a celebration of unity and humanity. One that strived to give as much support as they could, to relieve our brothers and sisters from their suffering.  

The Brisbane Miracle: A 5-Star Event in Record Time 

In Brisbane, Samim, Asif, and Shayma worked with limited time and boundless commitment, transforming their vision into reality. With every detail handled meticulously — from logistics to catering, from speakers to partnerships — they created a five-star event that honoured Gaza’s story and inspired every attendee.  

The entire event felt seamless, and the community’s warmth and generosity filled the room. What they accomplished in such a short period showed me that true excellence isn’t in the time you have, but the heart you put into it. 

The Unseen Heroes: Volunteers Who Made It Happen

Behind every moment of these events were the selfless efforts of our volunteers. The hidden soldiers – Omar, Firman, and countless others who stepped in to support us.  

They worked tirelessly, setting up venues, coordinating with partners, assisting guests, and handling every little detail that brought the events to life. Without them, none of this would have been possible. Their commitment to the cause – their willingness to work without recognition – is something that continues to inspire me.  

To each volunteer who stood by us, thank you. You are the backbone of our mission, and your dedication has left a lasting impact. 

A Final Reflection

Reflecting on these moments, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Each person, from staff to volunteers, from doctors to community members, came together to make these events more than just gatherings. They became symbols of hope and resilience. Testaments to what we can achieve when we unite for a common purpose. 

This journey has shown me that even in times of darkness, there is light. And we find that light in the people who serve, give, and believe in a better future for Gaza.  

Thank you to everyone who stood with us, worked alongside us, and made these events possible. Together, we have sent a powerful message: our brothers and sisters in Gaza are not alone. 

“Organising events across three states is no small feat, and challenges were bound to arise. But watching our leaders in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane tackle each issue seamlessly was truly inspiring. With their solutions-oriented mindset, they turned potential obstacles into smooth transitions, making it all look effortless.  

This wasn’t just about problem-solving. It was a testament to the dedication and adaptability of every team member involved. They showed that, with the right mindset, even the toughest challenges can be overcome in seconds. And they are the ones who allowed our mission to remain strong and unwavering across all three cities.” 

More than 1.2 million people across Lebanon have been displaced and more than 2,787 killed as airstrikes across the country intensify further.

Over 12,770 people have been injured in the attacks. It has left families sleeping on the streets as temperatures begin to dip.

More than 830,000 people are now displaced within Lebanon. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the number of people fleeing Lebanon has also increased. Approximately 425,000 people crossed into neighbouring countries, and close to 20,000 Lebanese nationals fled to Iraq.

Relentless bombing

Israeli strikes in Lebanon have been targeting residential areas across the country. Locations in Beirut, Bekaa and Sidon were all struck over the past week.

Early on Monday morning (28 October), Israeli attacks were reported in the Raml neighbourhood in the city of Tyre in south-east Lebanon. At least 5 people were killed, and another 10 individuals were left injured.

Intensified attacks on Southern Lebanon over the weekend killed at least 21 people, including 3 paramedics.

At least 99 health workers have now been killed and dozens of health centres shut down. The Lebanese Red Cross has reported that their teams regularly encountered considerable danger while responding to emergencies over the past month, with paramedics injured and 7 ambulances damaged as they tried to rescue wounded civilians in south Lebanon

Many of these attacks reported across Lebanon have occurred without any warning. Israel has issued so-called ‘evacuation orders’ forcing people to leave entire areas, but then bombed escape routes. More than a quarter of Lebanon’s territory is now under these orders.

Steadfast support

Since October 2023, Islamic Relief has supported people displaced by the current escalation by providing desperately needed food, bedding and other essentials.

So far, we have distributed close to 16,000 food packs, 4,326 hygiene kits and more than 1,300 blankets and mattresses to newly displaced people, many of whom left home with little more than the clothes on their backs.

We have also delivered more than 17,609 medical supplies to hospitals and healthcare facilities to help them cope with the influx of wounded people.

The scale of the crisis in Lebanon is growing by the day. Please help Islamic Relief to continue supporting families in desperate need of assistance. 

Islamic Relief aid workers in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon have described a night of terror for civilians as the region suffered its heaviest and deadliest bombing yet.

Last night Israeli airstrikes hit dozens of towns and villages in eastern Lebanon, with more than 60 people reported killed including young children. 120 people are reported injured and there are more bodies still under the rubble, with most casualties in and around the city of Baalbek.

The bombing has damaged major roads. It is restricting the efforts of aid agencies to deliver aid to survivors and people who have fled. Temperatures in the Bekaa Valley have dropped close to freezing in recent nights. Winter approaches fast. And newly displaced families urgently need blankets and warm clothing.

Farah Saifan, an Islamic Relief Project Officer based in the Bekaa Valley, described last night:

Lebanon’s Worst Humanitarian Crisis in Decades

The Israeli invasion and indiscriminate airstrikes are causing Lebanon’s worst humanitarian crisis in decades. People are living in constant fear.

Across Lebanon, more than 2,700 people have now been killed and over 12,500 wounded. More than 1.2 million people have now been forced from their homes. Many families now live in overcrowded school shelters where there is little food, clean water or sanitation. Over 400,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries to try to escape the bombardment.

Since September Israeli bombing has spread all over Lebanon and has increased in the Bekaa Valley.

Saifan says: “We’ve seen a massive increase in bombing in the Bekaa Valley since September but it doesn’t receive as much attention. At night when bombs hit, there is very little information telling citizens what is happening. This has led to even greater fear and panic among civilians as they are scared for their families. At night, the sound of bombing becomes even louder. The bombs which the Israelis are using are getting more powerful and so loud that here in the Bekaa Valley we can even hear the airstrikes in southern Lebanon.”

Islamic Relief is working in the central Bekaa Valley, providing displaced people with food, hygiene kits and other vital aid. Across Lebanon, since the start of the response the charity has distributed food parcels to almost 16,000 families, nearly 4,000 hygiene kits, and thousands of blankets, mattresses and medical items.

We are urgently demanding that the Australian government immediately end all arms sales to Israel. We are clear that there must be an immediate and permanent ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon now.

Islamic Relief Australia is extremely grateful to Doctors&Co. A platinum sponsor of our Gaza: One Year of Atrocities event, held across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Their invaluable support helped make this event a tremendous success. It also allowed us to raise crucial funds and awareness for those affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza. 

Doctors&Co is a dedicated provider of healthcare management solutions. They, likewise, empower doctors and healthcare professionals to enhance their practices and improve patient outcomes. By offering expert advice in medical practice management, financial services, and business growth strategies, Doctors&Co enables healthcare providers to focus on what truly matters. That is, to deliver exceptional care to their patients.  

Their commitment to serving the healthcare community greatly aligns with Islamic Relief’s mission to alleviate suffering. They were a perfect partner for the event. 

Gaza: One Year of Atrocities was a powerful commemoration of the struggles faced by the people of Gaza over the past year. Through engaging presentations, fundraising efforts, and powerful testimonials, the event highlighted the dire need for ongoing support in the region, especially in medical aid.  

Thanks to sponsors like Doctors&Co, we were able to connect with compassionate individuals across Australia. Where, together, we raised much-needed funds for medical and humanitarian relief in Gaza. 

Samir Bennegadi, CEO of Islamic Relief Australia, expressed deep appreciation for Doctors&Co’s sponsorship. He stated, “Their commitment to our cause underscores the importance of businesses working together with charitable organisations to bring meaningful change to the world. We are immensely grateful for their sponsorship and their belief in the work we do.” 

Islamic Relief Australia is proud to collaborate with Doctors&Co in such a vital humanitarian effort. We also look forward to continued partnerships in the future. As this support will help us bring hope and relief to the people of Gaza, who continue to face immense hardship and adversity. 

Once again, we extend our sincere thanks to Doctors&Co for their generous support and commitment to humanitarian causes. 

For more information about Doctors&Co and their services, please visit their website here. 

Islamic Relief Australia is deeply thankful to ABW Foods Australia. A platinum sponsor for our Gaza: One Year of Atrocities event, held in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Their generous sponsorship played a critical role in the success of this event. It enabled us to raise vital funds for the people of Gaza. 

ABW Foods Australia is a leader in premium food distribution. They specialise in a wide range of high-quality products, including dates, nuts, dairy, and condiments. They have a strong focus on offering both popular and culturally significant food products, ensuring the needs of both in the community are fulfilled.  

With their passion for excellence and commitment to supporting the community, ABW Foods strongly aligns with Islamic Relief’s mission to alleviate suffering and provide aid to those most in need. 

Through their support, they not only contributed financially. They also helped us amplify the message of compassion and solidarity for the people of Gaza during this challenging time. Their partnership and involvement are a testament to the positive impact businesses can have when supporting global humanitarian causes. 

Samir Bennegadi, CEO of Islamic Relief Australia, expressed his gratitude for the organisation’s invaluable support. He said, “ABW Foods’ generous sponsorship allowed us to significantly boost our fundraising efforts for Gaza. Their belief in our cause and dedication to serving others through both their products and partnerships is truly commendable.” 

Thanks to sponsors like ABW Foods, Islamic Relief Australia can continue to expand its life-saving programs in Gaza. Programs that provide essential medical and humanitarian support to those in dire need.

For its through the power of unity, that we, as a community can help bring hope and relief to our Palestinian brothers and sisters. And help them survive through the immense hardships they continue to face. 

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to ABW Foods Australia for their invaluable support. We also look forward to continuing our partnership in future humanitarian efforts. 

For more information about ABW Foods and their product offerings, please visit their website here.