Gaza Update: How Does Islamic Relief Continue to Deliver Aid?
Amid the escalating assault on Gaza, how is Islamic Relief delivering aid? Read this current update on how our teams are still on the
Over 600 days of crisis in Gaza are causing irreparable damage to the healthcare system in Gaza.
50% of hospitals are partially functional, and 39% of primary healthcare centres are functional. Over 14,800 patients urgently need medical evacuation from Gaza.
With the blockade and no permanent ceasefire in sight, the need for specialised medical care is more urgent now than ever. Particularly in trauma and emergency surgery.
Gaza has seen almost 2 years of massacre and misery. Over 62,000 people have been killed since October 7, 2023, with another over 157,000 injured.
The death toll includes more than 18,000 children and 12,000 women, as well as over 1,500 healthcare workers. Furthermore, the past year has seen over 450 other medical personnel arrested, tortured, and executed in prisons.
The ongoing attacks hit health facilities, homes and shelters, and block humanitarian aid from reaching starving families. Gaza continues to be a dire humanitarian crisis needing urgent attention.
Islamic Relief is delivering aid daily in Gaza, including medical supplies. We have had teams are on the ground since 1997, and only increased our response when the bombs hit Gaza like never before on October 7, 2023.
Working alongside international humanitarian organisations and local partners, our staff, and volunteers have provided hundreds and thousands of people with medical assistance.
This includes:
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 partner to provide immediate medical relief and speciality 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.
In the almost 2 years of war, fewer than 200 patients were evacuated from Gaza to receive medical support. But an estimated 14,800 patients still urgently need medical care abroad.
Without a system in place for the medical evacuation of severely sick and injured patients outside Gaza, the waiting list only “keeps growing while the clinical conditions of many of them continue to deteriorate.” (WHO).
In Gaza, there is an increasing number of high-risk pregnancies and complications related to childbirth and postpartum care.
Approximately 60,000 pregnant women are facing a severe health crisis due to a lack of iron, folic acid, and adequate antenatal care.
There have been 1,460 premature births, 1,600 newborns with low birth weight, and 2,535 infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units.
A total of 67 newborns were born with congenital anomalies. In turn, around 10,000 unregistered newborns are at risk of statelessness and exclusion from essential services.
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 are elevated.
The lack of affordable hygiene items, combined with limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, poses a growing risk of severe health impacts.
Critical facilities—such as health centres, community kitchens, child-protection spaces, nutrition centres, and schools—also 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.
In the ongoing crisis, 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.
Amid the escalating assault on Gaza, how is Islamic Relief delivering aid? Read this current update on how our teams are still on the
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