ALEXANDRIA, VA – Islamic Relief USA is extremely relieved to hear, at long last, the announcement of the ceasefire in Gaza on January 15, 2025, and the release of hostages. This is an important step towards alleviating the suffering of civilians caught in the violence and establishing a permanent humanitarian corridor, which will allow the safe transit of humanitarian aid.
“The ceasefire will allow dire humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza, who have endured relentless bombardment that has wiped away nearly all of their hospitals, schools, homes, and most importantly, taken thousands of innocent human lives, including so many children. IRUSA is eager to begin our recovery efforts and focus on rebuilding, alongside the ongoing emergency efforts we have in the region,” stated IRUSA CEO, Ahmed Shehata. This will be a huge effort and we call for the cessation of all violence so that we can perform our essential mission of bringing relief to innocent civilians.
IRUSA has been working tirelessly with our partners on the ground, to fully support our ongoing emergency efforts. IRUSA has successfully distributed food, water, medicine and medical supplies, winter aid, psychological support, and other necessities. Since Oct. 7, 2023, IRUSA has committed over $29.4 million dollars through 12 partner organizations and has provided support to 1.5 million+ to date. At home, we continuously advocated for a ceasefire. We work tirelessly to ensure that all of this aid is targeted to relieve the suffering of victims.
“In the past 15 months, IRUSA advocates have worked to urge a ceasefire in Gaza that would allow humanitarian aid to flow and to save lives. The vital goal of stopping this humanitarian catastrophe has finally been realized. As we all collectively sigh of relief, we know that there is still much work ahead, including building an everlasting and just peace, and reconstructing a land that has been destroyed. Today, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we continue onward,” stated IRUSA Advocacy Manager, Aseel Elborno.
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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 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.