Winter Brings Further Misery to the Displaced People of Gaza
Every year, brutal winter conditions batter vulnerable communities, including Gaza. This is their story of how they survive the cold months.
The escalating crisis has caused irreparable damage to the healthcare system in Gaza.
83% of the medical supplies needed for hospitals are not available, leaving thousands of wounded, sick and malnourished civilians without vital support.
As the situation only grows worse, there is an increasingly significant need for specialised medical care, particularly in trauma and emergency surgery.
Gaza has seen a year of massacre and misery. Over 44,000 people have been killed since October 7, with another over 102,300 injured.
The rising death roll includes more than 17,000 children and 11,000 women, as well as over 1,000 healthcare workers. Among the children that were killed, 825 children were less than a year old, with 171 newly born and 36 dying of malnutrition.
Furthermore, the past year has seen over 310 other medical personnel were arrested, tortured, and executed in prisons.
Bombs continue to relentlessly hit health facilities, homes and shelters, and block humanitarian aid from reaching starving families. It’s a dire humanitarian crisis needing urgent attention.
Islamic Relief is delivering aid daily in Gaza, including medical supplies, since the escalation began.
Working alongside international humanitarian organisations and local partners, our staff, and volunteers have provided hundreds and thousands of people with medical assistance.
This includes 2,274,000 medical items, medical points support for over 11,000 people, lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) for 35,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and children under 5 monthly, psychosocial support for over 97,000 children and 300 women, as well as healthcare services to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in shelters
The Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association (PANZMA) is a non-profit organisation that provides medical relief and support to Palestinians in need.
Together, Islamic Relief Australia and PANZMA are partnering together to provide immediate medical relief and specialty procedures to the people of Gaza.
This medical aid will provide emergency and specialised medical care in underserved areas. As well as supply essential medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.
It will also support local healthcare professionals with training and capacity building. As well as advocate for the health rights of Palestinians on international platforms.
PANZMA has successfully conducted multiple medical missions to Gaza, providing critical care and performing life-saving surgeries under challenging conditions.
These missions have directly improved healthcare outcomes for thousands of patients, particularly in trauma and emergency surgery.
Their doctors are trained local healthcare professionals. Because of their expertise, they enhance the region’s medical capacity and foster sustainable health improvements.
Like Islamic Relief, PANZMA collaborates closely with local hospitals and clinics. This includes the Ministry of Health and associated hospitals, such as Shuhada Alaqsa Hospital, Gaza European Hospital, and Naser Hospital.
One of their many examples of PANZMA’s commitment to saving lives includes their surgical mission between June 13 and July 2 at Shuhada Al-Aqsa Hospital. During this mission, their doctors performed 267 surgeries, saw 584 critical cases in ED and performed hundreds of other small procedures and referrals.
Medical evacuations of critically ill and injured patients outside Gaza remain largely suspended.
Since the closure of the Rafah crossing on 7 May, only 124 patients have been evacuated from Gaza to receive medical support.
A miniscule percentage of the estimated 12,000 patients who medical care abroad.
Without system in place for the medical evacuation of severely sick and injured patients outside Gaza, this waiting list only “keeps growing while the clinical conditions of many of them continue to deteriorate.” (WHO).
In Gaza, there are an increasing number of high-risk pregnancies and complications related to childbirth and postpartum care.
There has also been an increase in neonatal complications, with more babies requiring care in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).
Malnutrition is also a significant issue. Nearly 10% of pregnant and breastfeeding women are acutely malnourished, leading to severe anemia, infections, and delayed recovery post-delivery.
Furthermore, over 50,000 children in Gaza suffer from acute malnutrition and need immediate treatment. (UNICEF)
Limited water and sanitation services are worsening the risk of infections for mothers and newborns. Currently, 11 hospitals offer comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care, and seven facilities have NICUs.
However, insecurity, evacuation orders, and shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and fuel are severely hindering access to and the functionality of these facilities.
Many health service points and sites where internally displaced persons (IDPs) reside are in or near flood hotspots. Within these areas, disease transmission risks, injuries and compromised access to healthcare is elevated.
The cost of basic hygiene items is also staggeringly increasing. In July, the price of soap increased to 1,177% and shampoo to increased 490% across Gaza, compared to July 2023 (PCBS).
This lack of affordable hygiene items, combined with limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, poses a growing risk of severe health impacts.
This is especially true for displaced families. They face extreme difficulties maintaining basic hygiene in overcrowded shelters and displacement sites.
Meanwhile, critical facilities—such as health centres, community kitchens, child-protection spaces, nutrition centres, and schools—lack the necessary tools to ensure safe and sanitary conditions.
Since 1997, Islamic Relief has been on the ground, operating in Palestine. We were one of the first to respond to the escalations of October 2023 and continue to provide aid to our brothers and sisters in Gaza.
As the destruction remains rampant, the people of Gaza still need our support and generosity. Our teams have been working hard to ensure aid for Palestine reaches those in most need.
PANZMA, short for the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing medical relief and support to Palestinians in need. Their mission transcends borders, religion, and political affiliation because we believe that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right for all Palestinians.
PANZMA’s mission is to ensure that every Palestinian, no matter where they are or their circumstances, has access to life-saving medical care. Driven by the belief that healthcare is a universal right, their efforts aim to enhance the well-being of Palestinians by delivering crucial medical assistance where it is needed most.
PANZMA’s services are available to all Palestinians, irrespective of their location, religion, or political background.
PANZMA has successfully facilitated the delivery of medical aid through partnerships in Egypt and Jordan. They are also partnered with World Health Organisation (WHO) and other United Nations (UN) agencies to deliver services.
PANZMA also works closely with doctors and volunteers who have recently visited Gaza to provide hands-on support to healthcare institutions on the ground.
PANZMA focuses on deploying specialised medical teams, including surgeons, physicians, and other healthcare professionals, to address the urgent needs in Gaza’s overwhelmed healthcare system.
These missions often focus on trauma care, surgery, and emergency medicine. However, PANZMA also have missions that support broader healthcare initiatives to improve the overall well-being of the population.
PANZMA works directly with Ministry of Health, hospitals, clinics, and local health professionals in Palestine. This ensures that the aid aligns with the immediate needs of the community. Close coordination maximises the impact of PANZMA’s medical missions, ensuring that resources are efficiently utilised to save lives.
PANZMA’s missions are entirely funded through generous donations from individuals and organisations that believe in the importance of providing healthcare to Palestinians. They also receive support from partners who share a vision of a healthier future for Palestine.
Since its inception, PANZMA has made a significant impact by sending medical teams that have treated hundreds of patients. These doctors have delivered much-needed medical supplies, and are helping rebuild capacity in Gaza’s healthcare system. PANZMA is giving hope and healing to communities facing unimaginable hardships.
Australians can support PANZMA by donating to our cause, volunteering their time and skills, raising awareness about the situation in Palestine, and participating in fundraising events. Every contribution helps to deliver vital healthcare services to those in need.
Political and military conflicts often create obstacles for delivering aid, such as border closures, restricted access, and heightened risks for our volunteers. Despite these challenges, PANZMA remains committed to its mission and works tirelessly to find ways to get aid into Gaza, even under the most difficult circumstances.
PANZMA maintains strict neutrality in its operations, focusing solely on delivering medical relief based on humanitarian needs. They do not engage in political matters and work with all parties to ensure that its medical aid reaches those who need it most.
PANZMA’s long-term goals include expanding our medical missions, increasing the delivery of essential medical supplies, and helping to build a more resilient healthcare system in Palestine. They aim to ensure sustainable healthcare solutions for Palestinians, fostering hope for a healthier future.
Yes! PANZMA welcomes volunteers, especially healthcare professionals, to join medical missions or support their efforts through fundraising and awareness-raising activities. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference.
PANZMA faces a range of challenges, including limited access to medical supplies, the destruction of healthcare infrastructure, and the constant threat of violence. Despite these hurdles, they remain steadfast, in their commitment to providing life-saving care to those who need it most.
You can contribute by making a financial donation, volunteering your time or expertise, or helping to spread the word about PANZMA’s work. Your support helps provide medical care to those in dire need.
Yes, PANZMA welcomes donations of medical supplies and equipment. These contributions are vital in addressing the shortages faced by healthcare providers in Gaza and can make a direct impact on patient care.
If you are a healthcare professional or have other relevant skills, you can apply to join a medical mission. Non-medical volunteers are also needed to support fundraising and awareness campaigns.
Yes, aside from financial contributions, you can support by volunteering, advocating for Gaza’s healthcare needs, participating in awareness campaigns, and sharing information about PANZMA’s work with your community.
Your donations fund critical medical missions, supply life-saving equipment, and ensure that Palestinians receive the healthcare they need. Every dollar goes directly towards making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Yes, PANZMA offers sponsorship options for individuals and organisations who wish to directly support specific medical procedures or fund entire missions. These contributions allow for targeted impact in the areas of greatest need.
PANZMA works closely with Islamic Relief Australia, which has been instrumental in supporting their medical missions to Gaza. You can contribute to Islamic Relief by donating through our platforms or via our supporting joint fundraising initiatives with PANZMA.
Australian communities can organise events, share information through social media, invite PANZMA representatives to speak, and engage in conversations about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Raising awareness is key to mobilising support.
Yes, PANZMA organises a range of fundraising events throughout the year. You can participate by attending, volunteering, or helping to spread the word. These events are crucial in raising the funds needed to continue our medical missions.
You can advocate by engaging with local leaders, sharing information on social media, organising awareness events, and encouraging others to support PANZMA’s work. Advocacy plays a critical role in ensuring that the needs of Gaza are not forgotten.
Every year, brutal winter conditions batter vulnerable communities, including Gaza. This is their story of how they survive the cold months.
The recent escalation in Palestine reached the one-year mark, with hundreds of aid and health workers killed among the over 43,000 deaths.
Gaza: One Years of Atrocities: A Reflection. Br Ayman Abdelhady, shares the journey of hope seen by our team in organising these events.