Gaza humanitarian emergency
Grayscale Media/CARE
The situation
Since the appalling attack and senseless loss of life on October 7, 2023, a critical humanitarian crisis continues to unfold in Gaza, Israel and surrounding regions.
The humanitarian consequences of the violence are immense and have left thousands dead and wounded on both sides. Even today they show no signs of abating.
CARE is very concerned about the impact of this latest violence on women, girls, children and the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable.
To facilitate access to humanitarian assistance all parties must refrain from attacking civilians and civilian objects. Immediate action is needed to prevent further loss of life, including children, who are caught up in this conflict. We call on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, as mandated by international humanitarian law.
Civilians must be always treated with dignity and have access to basic humanitarian needs.
From our colleagues on the ground:
“This is a moment where we pick up the phone, check on people, and get shocked that they survived or made it.”
Impacted civilians and our staff on the ground urgently need :
- Water and electricity supply re-established;
- Safe access to essential humanitarian aid, including water, food, fuel and medical supplies;
- Allowing those in need of medical care that cannot be provided locally to leave safely for hospitals outside Gaza.
Your support is urgently needed to help all civilians impacted by this conflict.
How we are responding
Our CARE team in Gaza, working alongside local partners, has been among the few humanitarian organizations that have secured supplies from within the Strip. The needs are high and it is essential that aid is allowed to pass safely into Gaza.
- CARE is providing WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) and health support, distributing dignity kits and supporting people with shelter and non-food items.
- CARE has also engaged in cross-border collaboration, notably with CARE Egypt, to mobilize and deliver relief supplies.
- Despite challenges in logistics and access, CARE continues to advocate for ceasefires, and unimpeded humanitarian access and has raised funds for its efforts.
The ongoing conflict makes it very difficult for humanitarians to work. This means that water, food, electricity, and gas have not entered this small enclave, which is crowded with millions of people. The situation is extremely dire.