Tag: Gaza

Today is Nakba Day, an annual day of commemoration. A day of remembrance made especially poignant this year, as we mark over 200 days into ongoing bombardment, displacement, and blockade of Palestinians in Gaza. Here we look at the origins and significance of the day. 

What is Nakba Day? 

May 15 is Nakba Day. It marks the beginning of the destruction of the Palestinian homeland. The mass displacement in 1948 of the majority of the Palestinian population. 

Nakba means ‘catastrophe’ in Arabic. It is the word Palestinians and others use to refer to this historic moment from over 75 years ago. For some, the term is also used to describe the subsequent and ongoing persecution of Palestinians and loss of territory.   

In 1998, Nakba Day was officially inaugurated by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. But the date had been marked with protests of remembrance and resistance since 1949. 

What happened in May 1948? 

May 1948 saw the start of a mass displacement, which forced over 700,000 Palestinians out of their homes.  

Over the course of the 1948 Palestine War, Israeli forces destroyed more than 530 Palestinian villages and carried out several massacres, killing some 15,000 people. This war lasted until January 1949.

78% of Palestine’s historic territory was captured and used to establish what is now Israel. The remaining land was divided into today’s Occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. 

Following Israeli victory in the war, abandoned homes were given to Jewish settlers. The descendants of many of the Palestinians who fled in 1948 remain displaced to this day, both within Palestine and around the world. Today, there are now some 6 million Palestinian refugees.  

What led up to this? 

From 1920 to May 1948, Britain ruled over a territory called Mandatory Palestine under an agreement by the League of Nations – a precursor to the United Nations. 

Following the end of World War II and the Holocaust, the British announced their intention to end the mandate. Then, the newly created United Nations began seeking to redraw the boundaries of Palestine to allow for the creation of a Jewish state.  

None of the various partition plans suggested received support from the Palestinians or the Arab League. However, when the mandate ended, the establishment of the state of Israel was declared. This triggered the 1948 Palestine War, also known as the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. 

What happened after the Nakba? 

In the 76 years since the Nakba, the Israeli state has continued to encroach on Palestinian territory. They displace families and violate international law in the process.  

Among the major instances of this was the Six-Day War of 1967. This war saw Israeli forces occupy all of historic Palestine, including Gaza and the West Bank, expelling 300,000 people from their homes. 

In the decades since, tensions in the region have remained high, with relatively frequent flare-ups.

However, the scale of the current escalation is truly unprecedented. Since October 7th, 2023, over 52,700 people have been killed. Many more have been displaced, among them people who moved to Gaza after the Nakba. A reported 450,000 people are said to have fled Rafah over the past week alone. 

What was Palestine like before the Nakba? 

Immediately before the Nakba, Palestine was administered by the British. The establishment of Mandatory Palestine took place in a period of intense European colonial expansion. It followed the expulsion of Ottoman forces from the Levant in the Arab Revolt (1916-18). Prior to the Mandatory period, Palestine had been part of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. 

During the Mandatory period, Palestine became a cohesive political unit with Jerusalem as its capital. The period saw advances in bureaucracy, infrastructure, and technology. It is also considered to have laid the groundwork for the establishment of Israel in part by promoting Jewish immigration and depriving Palestinians of self-rule. 

What are the long-term consequences of the Nakba? 

The Nakba resulted in the world’s longest-running unresolved refugee crisis. Some 6 million Palestinian refugees reside within Gaza and the West Bank, as well as in neighbouring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. In some cases, Palestinian refugees in the Middle East have endured wars and further displacement in their host countries.  

The enormous loss of territory that began with the Nakba continues to affect the everyday lives of Palestinians. Many valuable resources are located on land now claimed by Israel. This prevents Palestinians from accessing them and potentially growing their economy. 

The Israeli occupation, which has been ruled illegal under international law, impacts every aspect of Palestinians’ lives. It denies their basic human rights, undermines their dignity and entrenches poverty. Restricts movement, trade, and access to water, services, farmland, markets, families and religious sites. Cuts Palestinians in Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank off from each other.  

Gaza has been under Israeli blockade since 2007. The blockade restricts the movement of goods and people in and out of the Strip. It devastates the economy and people’s futures and disrupts humanitarian efforts.

For years, thousands of essential items have been restricted from entering Gaza because Israel considers them to have a ‘dual use’. This means items that could potentially be used for both civilian and military purposes. In practice, this can include almost anything that people need—things like fuel, water filters, solar pumps and surgical scissors have been refused entry.  

Since October 2023, Israel has tightened the blockade even further, preventing many more vital items from entering. On 2 March 2025, Israel completely closed all crossings into Gaza and stopped all food, medicine, fuel, and other lifesaving supplies from entering.

How is Nakba Day commemorated? 

For many, Nakba Day is an opportunity to draw attention to the persecution of Palestinians, historic and ongoing. It is a struggle that is still very much ongoing, particularly in years such as this, when Nakba Day falls during an escalation in the crisis.  

The day is also a time to celebrate Palestine’s rich culture and history outside a narrative of suffering, which for many defines the territory and its people. Palestinians are not only resilient. They are talented writers and dancers, gifted embroiderers and generous hosts.  

In 2023, for the first time in history, the United Nations marked Nakba Day. The global body held an event to “serve as a reminder of the historic injustice suffered by the Palestinian people,” as well as to highlight the ongoing refugee crisis. The event included speeches, music, photos and personal testimonies. 

More than 30 countries voted against the resolution to commemorate Nakba Day. This reflects the inability of many states to balance the acknowledgement of Palestinian suffering with their own support of Israel. Israel often opposes official and unofficial commemorations of Nakba Day, describing them as an obstacle to peace in the region. 

Why is Islamic Relief talking about Nakba Day? 

Islamic Relief has been working in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 1997, supporting Palestinians in need through emergency response efforts and development programming.  

Many of our staff and local partners have become displaced since October 2023 and are facing the same challenges as the communities we support. Our office in Gaza is among the almost 900,000 buildings destroyed or damaged by the ongoing bombing campaign. 

Despite immense challenges, we continue to support vulnerable people in Gaza. Whenever and wherever we can, we provide them with food and water distributions, orphan sponsorship and other assistance. This support is a lifeline for thousands of families in a time of desperate need.  

However, our work and the work of many global and local humanitarian organisations is being curtailed as a direct result of the ongoing violence and the tightened blockade. Every minute that supplies are prevented from entering Gaza puts more lives at risk.

Islamic Relief is taking the opportunity presented by Nakba Day to remind donors, decision-makers and the general public, of the longstanding struggle and suffering of the Palestinian people. Their suffering is not consigned to the history books: it is a deepening and devastating humanitarian crisis unfolding before the eyes of the world. We are calling on international governments to demand a ceasefire, an end to the siege and full humanitarian access. As we near 600 days of the current escalation, families are still being separated, starved and killed. International governments must ensure that Palestinians can stay on their land.

This is the present-day reality for everyone in Gaza, but whether it remains their future too depends on the decisions made by world leaders and international bodies today. Please help Islamic Relief to continue supporting families in desperate need in
Gaza. 

Gaza is in the grip of starvation as nearly 2 months of Israel’s total closure have left markets empty, children malnourished, and famine conditions spreading.

The humanitarian response is now at a critical breaking point unless supplies are urgently allowed in. 

Israel’s illegal and immoral shutdown of all supply routes into Gaza is a deliberate campaign to starve civilians.

Islamic Relief staff on the ground say the situation is now the worst we have ever seen there. Many children are going whole days without eating. Aid trucks packed with food are cruelly blocked from entering just a few miles away. 

Supplies in Gaza at a Critical Low

Meat, fruit, eggs, and dairy products are almost impossible to find. Likewise, the scarcity of vegetables means that prices are up to 15 times more expensive than before the crisis. These come at a time when few people have jobs or access to cash.

Almost 18 months of Israeli attacks have destroyed Gaza’s ability to feed itself. Most agricultural land, greenhouses, and fishing boats have been destroyed, and most cattle have been killed. This has left all civilians in Gaza reliant on humanitarian aid. But none have been allowed to enter since 2 March.   

A recent survey of 43 aid agencies in Gaza found that 95% have been forced to reduce or suspend activities due to the total closure and the relentless, indiscriminate bombing. Attacks that have killed more than 51,000 people and targeted hospitals and shelters. Our staff hear horrific daily accounts of families burnt to death in their tents and children maimed by the bombing.  

Islamic Relief on the Ground

Islamic Relief staff and partners are doing everything we possibly can to keep aid flowing. But even our own response has been severely impacted.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to keep providing food as supplies run out. Over the past week we have been working with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to distribute high-energy biscuits, date bars and vegetable oil to more than 7,000 people a day. But it is nowhere near enough and no substitute for nutritious meals.  

 Islamic Relief also continues to provide other life-saving assistance. We are carrying out daily cleaning of more than 60 shelters for displaced families. To help stop the spread of diseases in the overcrowded and desperate conditions.

Hundreds of thousands of people have yet again been forced from their homes by Israeli military orders in recent weeks, herded into ever-shrinking areas. Zones where there is no clean water, no functioning sanitation and no safety.

Israel has now declared almost 70% of Gaza as inaccessible to civilians through a combination of forced displacement orders and military no-go zones. 

People affected by malnutrition and disease are unable to access decent healthcare and treatment. As the Israeli closure also blocks all medical supplies from entering. Fuel is also blocked, forcing generators needed for life-saving operations to shut down.  

There needs to be a permanent ceasefire in Gaza

There must be a renewed and lasting ceasefire. Starving civilians and denying them humanitarian aid is in clear violation of international law, but the world continues to turn a blind eye. The international community’s lack of action makes them complicit in Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon of war. 

Statements of concern are meaningless without genuine action, such as ending arms sales. Governments must put real political and economic pressure on Israel to abide by international law, reopen crossings and allow humanitarian aid and commercial supplies into Gaza without any further delay.

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 7^th, 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.  

As the fragile ceasefire continues to hold in Gaza, many thousands of Palestinians have begun to return home, dreaming of the time in which they can begin rebuilding their shattered lives and communities. For many, following nearly 500 days of relentless bombardment by the Israeli army, all that remains is rubble and memories of their former lives.  

Much of Gaza is in ruins. Some 69 per cent of buildings have been flattened or damaged. 1.6 million Palestinians are living in makeshift shelters. Everybody is grieving. The vast majority of people have no income nor means to earn a living. 

Islamic Relief has been a lifeline in Gaza for nearly 30 years 

Islamic Relief teams and local partners have remained within Gaza throughout Israel’s assault on Gaza. Throughout the past 500 days, our focus has been on providing emergency relief wherever possible, as we have done during all escalations since we began working in Gaza in 1997. Now, with the temporary ceasefire fragile but continuing to hold, we continue to pray for lasting peace whilst preparing to support Palestinians to rebuild their shattered lives and communities. 

The needs in Gaza today are huge and complex. 

Our immediate priority is continuing to reach those that are most vulnerable to prevent further deaths. We will step up our emergency response efforts to increase protection for those most affected, and, when the time comes, support with repairing, rebuilding, and strengthening vital services, facilities and infrastructure.  

As soon as we can, we hope to help get children back to school, get hospitals and specialist care centres back up and running, and implement other longer-term development programs that empower communities to rebuild self-reliance in a sustainable manner. We will also continue to campaign for an end to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine, so there can be lasting peace.  

Still We Stand With Gaza Report

After almost 500 days of atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza, the scale of loss and destruction is indescribable.

The temporary ceasefire offers some hope, but Gaza has been razed to the ground and its people continue to suffer greatly.

Here’s how Islamic Relief continues to help Gaza before and after the ceasefire, in our “Still We Stand With Gaza” report.

Read it now

Trusted by Palestinian communities, we have a proven track record  

Islamic Relief’s track record of delivering high-quality humanitarian and development interventions in Gaza spans nearly 30 years. Over the last 500 days, our teams and partners have consistently been among the first to respond to emergencies with lifesaving aid. The bonds of trust between our teams and the people we serve underpin our plan to help meet the urgent needs of Palestinians pushed to the brink of survival.  

Palestinians have suffered 500 days of massacre and misery. At least 48,000 people have been killed, including more than 15,000 children. Palestinians urgently need help to survive, to rebuild and to recover. Your support has never been more important.  

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.

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, Faraz Nomani, 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.” 

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. 

Yomna, an 8-year-old girl in Gaza, describes how her life had become “like a nightmare” since the previous October.  

Now, life has only gotten more challenging for Yomna and the more than 2 million others living under bombardment in Gaza. A future that seemed bleak 5 months ago, has gotten even darker. Palestinian families reflect on a year of horror, with still no end in sight. 

It’s difficult to describe the loss, destruction, and devastation the Israeli bombardment is having on Gaza. The numbers are overwhelming. 

More than 41,000 people have been killed – including over 11,400 women and 16,800 children. At least 96,000 more people have been injured. 

Only 17 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are still functional – and all only partially. Shortages of fuel, medicine and essential supplies are hampering efforts to treat the wounded and care for the chronically ill.  

Around 90% of Gaza’s population is now displaced. Many have to flee again and again in search of safety, but there is nowhere safe for them to go. Diseases are spreading in overcrowded shelters and famine conditions are spreading.

Many have no home to return to. The bombing has left more than 60% of Gaza’s residential buildings damaged or destroyed. 

Supporting the People of Gaza 

In a new report, Islamic Relief outlines how our dedicated staff and partners in Gaza have been supporting people in desperate need over the last year, even as they face great hardship themselves.  

With the exception of our Orphan Sponsorship Program, which has expanded considerably, Islamic Relief’s regular programs have been suspended for the safety of our staff, partners and the communities we serve. Instead, we have focused on responding to the emergency. 

Over the last year, we have helped feed people displaced people in shelters with hot meals, food packs, vegetables and vouchers. We have also distributed desperately needed clean water and nutritional supplements to people in shelters. To help combat the spread of disease, we’ve set up portable toilets and provided hygiene kits to displaced people. 

We have organised games and performances for children to help support their mental health and provide a momentary distraction from the hardship they’re enduring. 

Prior to October, Islamic Relief supported 8,750 orphans in Gaza through our Orphan Sponsorship Program. Now, more than 16,400 children are receiving a monthly stipend, as well as food parcels and gifts at Ramadan and Eid. While the program has expanded, we are heartbroken that 118 of the children and young people we have cared for have been killed since the crisis began. 

Ceasefire Now 

The generous support of our donors is putting aid into the hands of families in desperate need in Gaza. But so much more is needed. Humanitarian organisations can ease the suffering of Palestinian families, but we cannot bring it to an end. Devastatingly, world leaders have repeatedly failed to act as international law is violated every single day. 

The dire conditions inside Gaza are a stain on the conscience of the world, which has watched on as children are bombed, families are displaced repeatedly, women give birth without medical care, and hope is stripped from ordinary people. 

Now, it’s been one year of unfathomable loss. Where Israel’s bombing continues spreading across the region. Islamic Relief is clearer than ever that this nightmare must end. We continue to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the region.

International law must be upheld. Anyone found to have committed violations must be held to account. We are calling for Israel to end its attacks and the forced displacement of civilians. To end the siege so that sufficient humanitarian aid can enter Gaza to alleviate the suffering of its people.