The situation in Gaza is increasingly alarming. The healthcare system in the area has seen a reduction in bed capacity by up to 70 percent, as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Efforts to rehabilitate medical services in northern Gaza are ongoing, but the challenges are immense.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that medical supplies entering Gaza are insufficient to meet urgent health needs. Moreover, medical evacuations out of Gaza remain halted, which means that patients in Gaza who require specialized medical treatment which is not available within the region cannot be transported to other hospitals in neighboring countries or other locations with better medical facilities.

As a result, patients with severe conditions such as cancer, heart disease, or those needing complex surgeries that cannot be performed in Gaza’s overstretched and under-resourced hospitals are left without access to the necessary care. This leads to worsening health outcomes and, in many cases, preventable deaths.

In addition to health issues, the education sector is also severely affected. Approximately 39,000 high school students in Gaza are unable to take the General Secondary Education Examination this year, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Education. This highlights the dire situation faced by the youth in Gaza, who must sacrifice their education amid ongoing conflict.

Furthermore, women-led organizations in Gaza are facing significant challenges in operations, security, and funding. A report from UN Women reveals that these conditions are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. These challenges illustrate the difficult daily life for the community, especially for vulnerable groups like women and children.

The situation has worsened with the increasing number of casualties. As of July 22, 2024, there have been 38,848 fatalities, 89,459 injuries, and 1,700,000 displaced persons. These figures reflect the tragic impact of the prolonged bombardment by Israel.

In response to this critical situation, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) team of Dompet Dhuafa has taken various concrete actions to assist the people of Gaza throughout 2024. The first effort involved sending essential medicines, equipment, and medical supplies to hospitals and clinics. Additionally, fuel was distributed to ensure hospital generators remain operational, thus maintaining uninterrupted healthcare services.

To address the community’s food needs, Dompet Dhuafa’s team has distributed ready-to-eat meals to those in need. A total of 5,000 meals have been distributed in Deir Al Balah, Rafah, and Khanyounis. Furthermore, 3,000 liters of fuel have been delivered to Kamal Adwan Hospital and 2,000 liters to 12 ambulances, ensuring emergency medical services continue to function.

To provide temporary shelter, Dompet Dhuafa has built 200 shelter units in the Rafah refugee camps. This offers a haven for families who have lost their homes due to the conflict. Medical services have also been provided in hospitals and refugee areas, including the delivery of medical equipment and healthcare services to Kamal Adwan Hospital.

Food package distribution remains a primary focus, with food and daily necessities being delivered to support the operation of healthcare facilities. Additionally, Dompet Dhuafa has provided two ambulance units for southern Gaza to expedite medical responses on the ground. During Ramadan, Dompet Dhuafa has also distributed iftar, sahur, and food packages in the Gaza Strip, including pre-dawn and breaking fast meals.

These humanitarian actions demonstrate Dompet Dhuafa’s commitment to alleviating the burden of the people in Gaza who are facing a crisis. With support from various parties, it is hoped that these efforts can continue and positively impact the Palestinian community. Let us continue to support and pray for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. Every bit of help and support is immensely meaningful to those in need. Together, we can help create change and hope for a better future for Palestine.

Join us in making a difference by donating to our Sadaqah Ambulance for Palestine program and help provide life-saving medical transport for those in desperate need. Send your donation via: https://bit.ly/ambulanceddusa Together, we can help create change and hope for a better future for Palestine.