Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) welcomes the news of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza as an essential and long overdue step toward alleviating the immense suffering endured over the past two years.
The humanitarian toll has been catastrophic, with over 67,000 lives lost, 92% of homes damaged or completely destroyed, and basic services and infrastructure dismantled. The entire population of Gaza is facing high levels of acute food insecurity, and an additional 1.1 million are classified by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) at level Phase 4, indicating they are barely able to meet minimum food needs through crisis-coping strategies.
“President Trump’s ceasefire deal is historic in its scope, and will hopefully create momentum toward a more durable solution, along with providing immediate relief to Palestinians. We are ready to see the ceasefire deal come to fruition so that we can expand our current efforts and transform the lives in the region.” Ahmed Shehata, Chief Executive Officer, IRUSA.
The ceasefire must mark the beginning of sustained and unyielding efforts to ensure safe, unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians and the rebuilding of lives and dignity for all people.
“We welcome this moment with cautious optimism, yet we are ready to expand our efforts in Gaza to restore essential services and invest in long-term development. We are hopeful of humanitarian access without interference as detailed in President Donald J. Trump’s ceasefire deal, and will expand our efforts the moment we are allowed to do so.”
IRUSA remains steadfast in its commitment to deliver critical, life-saving assistance to those in need, and we are prepared to immediately scale up our response alongside trusted partners.
IRUSA has stood by Palestinians over the past two years, and will continue to do so. So far, we have successfully distributed over 6.1 million hot meals, provided fresh and non-perishable food parcels to over 459,683 individuals, and delivered 31 million liters of water. Along with life-saving food, we have provided access to proper healthcare for 2.1 million people, and provision of vital medical supplies to several hospitals including Hayfa Hospital, Al-Awda Hospital, and Al-Ahli Arab Hospital.
“This moment is the beginning of healing. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with local communities and international partners to ensure that peace brings tangible improvements to the everyday life of Palestinians. With your support, we can transform hope into lasting change.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Syed M. Hassan
(571) 421-7032
Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Its programs benefit millions of people each year in more than 40 countries around the world, including in the United States. Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.