28/01/2024

Introduction

As the Israeli genocide war reaches Day 113, the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has escalated to unprecedented levels due to the Israeli occupation actions, which are being referred to as a genocide war. The toll on human life and well-being is devastating and continues to grow daily. The casualty figures are now at a staggering 27,000 lives lost, a number that is deeply distressing in its magnitude. Among these, the most affected are the most vulnerable: children and women, who constitute the majority of the over 70,000 injured.

The situation is further exacerbated by the intensifying blockade imposed by Israeli forces. This blockade has severely restricted access to essential resources like food, clean water, and medical supplies. The consequences of these restrictions are dire, with over 2 million Palestinians now facing acute hunger. This figure illustrates the extensive reach of the crisis, affecting virtually every individual and family in the Gaza Strip.

Amidst this harrowing backdrop, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) is actively working to mitigate the effects of this humanitarian disaster. Despite facing enormous challenges, including logistical hurdles and resource limitations under the stringent blockade, the UAWC is unwavering in its commitment. Their campaign efforts are not just a response to immediate needs but a crucial lifeline for thousands of Palestinians, offering hope and support in a situation where both are in short supply.

The UAWC’s campaign is a testament to the resilience and determination of those striving to provide relief and support in the face of overwhelming adversity. Their work underscores the critical need for continued international attention and aid to address the growing humanitarian needs in the Gaza Strip. The UAWC’s efforts represent not just material assistance but also significant moral support for the people affected, reinforcing the message that they are not forgotten amidst the ongoing war.

Campaign Progress and Achievements:

Under extremely challenging conditions, the UAWC’s “Stop Gaza Starvation” campaign has made remarkable strides. The achievements are not just quantitative but hold deep significance in the context of the ongoing crisis:

1. In a comprehensive effort to combat the crisis in Gaza, UAWC’s “Stop Gaza Starvation” campaign has remarkably reached a total of 84,000 beneficiaries with a diverse range of vital supplies, including food parcels, vegetables, daily meals, hygiene packages, and clothing. This assistance has been meticulously targeted to address the critical needs of women and children, who are often the most vulnerable in conflict situations. Additionally, the campaign’s efforts have successfully extended to providing water aid to 150,000 individuals, significantly mitigating the severe water crisis in the region. Together, these efforts represent a significant stride in alleviating the dire humanitarian conditions faced by the people of Gaza.
2. Food Distribution: A total of 5,000 food parcels have been successfully delivered to 5,000 families in severe distress. In addition, the campaign has provided daily meals to over 7,000 families, addressing urgent hunger needs.
3. Water Supply: The campaign has managed to distribute water to over 150,000 individuals, significantly addressing the critical shortage and ensuring access to clean water in the region.
4. Clothing and Health Packages: Essential clothing has been provided to 1,000 families, and another 1,000 families have received health packages, offering much-needed relief and support to those most affected.
5. Supporting Hospitals: To bolster healthcare in the region, hospitals in Rafah and Khan Yunis have been supplied with meals, aiding both medical staff and patients.
6. Targeted Areas: The campaign’s efforts have been concentrated in the areas of Jabalia, Khan Yunis, and Gaza City, ensuring aid reaches those in the most critical need.
7. Support for Sheep Farmers: Approximately 4,000 sheep farmers have been supported with essential feed, vital for sustaining their livestock during the blockade and resource scarcity.

Challenges and Ongoing Efforts:

In the current dire circumstances, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) and its “Stop Gaza Starvation” campaign face immense challenges in their mission to provide vital relief in the Gaza Strip. The most significant challenge is the ongoing scarcity of resources, a situation exacerbated by the blockade and war, leading to a severe depletion of essential supplies. These critical items, such as food, water, and medical supplies, are in alarmingly short supply and are rapidly diminishing.

Another major hurdle is the surging prices of these essential goods, driven by high demand and limited availability. The campaign is confronted with the task of acquiring enough supplies at substantially higher costs, stretching the limits of available funds and resources.

Adding to the complexity of the situation is the continuous Israeli bombardment, which poses a direct threat to the safety of those distributing and receiving aid. Often, the areas targeted for aid distribution are also subjected to these attacks, creating a perilous environment for the campaign’s operations.

The risk of an escalating humanitarian crisis looms large if the war prolongs and significant relief materials are not permitted to enter Gaza in substantial quantities. The current stocks, mostly from local reserves existing before the war, are rapidly depleting. The inability to replenish these stocks presents a grave threat to the welfare of the population.

Particularly concerning is the alarming level of hunger among the population, especially in the central and northern regions of the Gaza Strip. The extent of food scarcity and the immense demand for nutritional aid far exceed the campaign’s current capabilities, making it a daunting task to meet the urgent and vast needs of the affected people.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, the UAWC remains committed to its mission. Preparations are ongoing to distribute thousands of new aid parcels, water supplies, blankets, mats, and firewood for heating. The campaign’s dedication to alleviating suffering and addressing the critical needs in Gaza persists, even as the path ahead is fraught with difficulties and the need for support is more urgent than ever.

Call for Continued Support

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies with each passing day, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) urgently calls for heightened global support. The dire situation, marked by widespread hunger, relentless blockade, and continuous bombardment, has led to a catastrophic scenario where thousands of Palestinians face the imminent risk of starvation and death.

This escalating crisis has not only caught the attention of the international community but has also compelled the International Court of Justice to consider precautionary measures to halt what is being termed a genocide war. There is a growing foundation for an international investigation into the actions of the Israeli occupation, suspected of committing genocide in Gaza.

In this critical hour, the UAWC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to transparency and efficiency in delivering aid. The support we have received thus far is invaluable, yet the need for assistance has never been more acute. We must gather more support to sustain and expand our life-saving aid programs. Every contribution can make a difference in preventing a large-scale humanitarian disaster.

To join us in this crucial mission and contribute to a cause that is more than just aid—it’s a fight for survival—please visit UAWC’s Campaign Link. Your support at this moment can save lives and provide hope to thousands suffering under these extreme conditions.

The following is the PDF version of the updated briefing in English, French, and Spanish.

Informe actualizado Campaña Stop Gaza Starvation de UAWC Updated Briefing Report UAWC’s “Stop Gaza Starvation” Campaign (4) Rapport de synthèse actualisé Campagne de l’UAWC Arrêtez la famine à Gaza