As everyone is probably aware, it is difficult to get aid into Gaza. However, our teams on the ground are working with various partners, international and local, which allows us to access aid for distribution. Together, with the World Food Programme (WFP), we have been able to deliver 57,615,999 hot meals since October 2023. Islamic Relief is also providing cleaning services and hygiene supplies for shelters, supplying clean water, hygiene and sanitation amid the dire situation.
We will continue doing everything in our power to alleviate the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Gaza. Islamic Relief is committed to the rebuilding and reconstruction of Gaza, currently and in the long term. We are committed to assisting and supporting our team, by making sure they have the resources to carry on. And it is our donors who make it possible for us to continue our efforts in Gaza, as their support helps us reach even more people in need, as swiftly as possible.
03.19.25
Gaza Update: How Does Islamic Relief Continue to Deliver Aid?
Amid the escalating assault on Gaza, how is Islamic Relief delivering aid in Gaza?
Israel’s deadly overnight attacks on Gaza have killed hundreds of civilians, including babies and children, shattering an already fragile ceasefire.
This current update (up to date as of March 19, 2025) provides clarity on how our teams can continue delivering aid inside Gaza at the moment. This includes how Islamic Relief delivers aid and what type we distribute.
Note: This update relates to our current initiatives. It does not refer to the initiatives that we have completed.
The Current Escalation
Last night’s onslaught was the deadliest since the ceasefire was announced in January. Families were woken as bombs tore through homes and shelters for displaced people. The attack struck without warning in the dead of night, with complete disregard for the safety of civilians.
Currently, the death toll continues to rise as more bodies are found in the rubble. Hospitals are overwhelmed.
Worse still, Israel has blocked all food, medicine, fuel, and other vital supplies into Gaza since 2 March. This is a clear violation of international law. And bombing and starving Palestinians in Gaza is as well.
As the Israeli military starts to order evacuations in northern and eastern Gaza once again, there is mounting fear of a renewed ground offensive.
The situation horrifyingly echoes last year’s forced displacement orders. These actions will force families into increasingly confined areas, without adequate humanitarian assistance and under continuous bombardment.
Despite the increasing dangers of delivering aid in Gaza, Islamic Relief remains committed to supporting the people, to prevent further suffering in this escalating, dire humanitarian crisis.
Islamic Relief’s Ongoing Presence in Gaza
Islamic Relief has been active in Palestine since 1997. We had a permanent office in Gaza, which, was unfortunately, destroyed late last year during one of the many airstrikes. However, our team is still active. We continue to operate in the Gaza Strip and deliver aid on a daily basis.
Our team is active throughout Gaza. Currently, Islamic Relief focuses on supporting orphan families, distributing food, wellbeing support, education, cleaning and hygiene services and other essential aid. Since October 7th, 2023, we have delivered water, medicine and medical items, hygiene/dignity kits, psychosocial support, and healthcare services.
Addressing Current Concerns About Getting Aid in Gaza
There is a significant amount of confusion regarding the delivery and distribution of aid in Gaza. News agencies are not always providing accurate or up-to-date information. As a result, some of our donors are confused as to what is happening, and four current general concerns have emerged.
The Closing of Border Crossings
The first concern is that the border crossings are closed. It is important to understand that there is no set pattern for when the border crossings open and close. One day Rafah might be closed. Then, two days later, no crossings are open. Then, two days after that, Kerem Shalom is closed but Rafah is open. News media often struggles to keep up and news on crossings is usually delayed.
How Can There be Supplies Available in Gaza?
The second concern is that nothing is available within Gaza – no shops or suppliers and no cash economy. While it is true that food and goods are hard to find, there are suppliers. There is also some cash available. However, everything is very expensive due to the scarcity. This is where the multi-purpose cash grants Islamic Relief provides can help, as they allow families to purchase the supplies they need, without leaving them with unnecessary items.
How Does Anything Get into Gaza?
The third concern is that nothing is getting into Gaza. While the trucks are not delivering nearly enough, some deliveries are happening. UN-associated trucks, like the World Food Program (WFP) and UNICEF, do have priority and the greatest level of protection and are getting in. We have heard stories of WFP trucks being turned back but that is not all the WFP trucks.
As Islamic Relief, we have had some deliveries, but our trucks are not as regularly allowed through as the UN trucks. Fortunately, Islamic Relief Australia has an established partnership with UNICEF Australia and our teams have been able to ensure the delivery of more aid through this partnership.
Where Does Islamic Relief Operate in Gaza?
The last concern relates to where within Gaza Islamic Relief is working. We are currently still working all throughout Gaza. If the bombing in the north and east continues to escalate, we will continue to work in Middle Gaza and southern Gaza (where Rafah and Khan Younis are).
Overall, the situation is uncertain and subject to change. It is reasonable to consider the entire Gaza to be a war zone, with the possibility that intense fighting will break out anywhere.
Our Current Response
Aid Delivery by IR Palestine
We are active right now! Below is the update of activities implemented on 15 March 2025. We are currently focusing on food delivery, distributing multi-purpose cash grants and constructing WASH facilities.
IR Partners (our emergency response)
- Distributed food parcels to 286 HH in Gaza city and 795 HH in North Gaza.
- Distributed fresh bread to 6,681 HH people.
- Delivered 71,000 litres of clean water to serve 55,208 in the Middle Area.
- Distributed vegetable packs to 28 HH in North Gaza.
- Delivered cleaning services and hygiene supplies for 3 shelters in the Middle area.
Overall, we have delivered 57,615,999 hot meals since October 2023.
Making Food More Accessible in Gaza
At this stage, we are able to access a significant amount of food through our partnership with the World Food Program (WFP). WFP is a UN agency and supposedly has open access. Although this is not always the case, they do have the best chance of getting trucks in. We are therefore very fortunate to be partnering with them. We are also able to source some food within Gaza, although this is very limited and very expensive.
What the Future Holds
As pointed out by the media and reports, the situation in Gaza is extremely volatile, dangerous, fluid and unpredictable.
Our team are extremely courageous and committed and are doing everything in their control to continue delivering aid. It is hard to predict what will happen, so while we are very proud that we are delivering significant aid, particularly in distributing hot meals (we are WFPs biggest partner), nobody can guarantee anything going forward.
We are committed to assisting and supporting our team, by making sure they have the resources to carry on. Islamic Relief is committed to the rebuilding and reconstruction of Gaza in the long term.
In the ongoing crisis, Gaza needs your help
Help us provide urgent medical supplies, food and other crucial, life-saving aid now to families in need by giving with Islamic Relief.
