Palestine

The blockade of food and other supplies into Gaza is a major concern that many organizations are experiencing as they work to deliver humanitarian aid inside Palestine.

Local procurement is happening where possible,but largely, things are being brought in from outside based on whatever crossings are open at the time. The crossings and their openings constantly shift.

There are major delays in getting items through, but our partners are able to do so. IRUSA strongly supports the establishment of a permanent humanitarian corridor, which would allow the safe transit of humanitarian aid, to support the people of Palestine at this time.

IRUSA receives updates on the community’s immediate needs through partner organizations that have local staff and offices on the ground. We have a long and successful history of working through established local partnerships to deliver urgent support and implement development projects for Palestinians, including improving access to healthcare, psychosocial support, education, and livelihoods. Together, our response is that much stronger and wider in reach, especially when it is needed most.

During times of crisis and emergency, banks and monetary institutions are often impacted. This can prevent families from accessing banks and withdrawing funds. Humanitarian organizations have existing relationships with banks and available funds on reserve that they can access and utilize during such emergency crises to ensure a quick response.

Humanitarian organizations are able to assess needs on the ground on a wider scale, and in coordination with relevant actors (i.e. ministries and UN Clusters) to determine the best way to utilize funds as per the urgent needs on the ground. Humanitarian organizations also have standards they must maintain to ensure high-quality assistance is provided such as operating standards and quality of aid, while also ensuring there is no duplication so that every person can be reached equitably.

IRUSA already has active and ongoing relationships through its partners on the ground who maintain local offices and can quickly implement aid directly, especially during emergencies. When working with local partners, these relationships are already determined before a project is signed and before funds are transferred.

The humanitarian needs across Palestine are immense, with almost the entire population of Palestinians relying on humanitarian agencies to meet their basic needs. Unfortunately, big governments don’t provide enough assistance to reach all those in need and major cuts in funding in recent years have only made this worse.

After two years of violence, Gaza’s health system has become severely deteriorated but few facilities remain operational at some capacity. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) 36% of primary healthcare centers and 50% of field hospitals are functioning with minimal resources and staff. Medical staff are extremely overwhelmed, patients have to wait many hours to be seen, if seen at all, and medical care and treatment is provided based on what’s available.

While many hospitals have been damaged or forced to close, a number of facilities and field clinics like Al Ahli Hospital remain partially functional. These facilities are still treating patients under extraordinary conditions. IRUSA works through trusted partners who have longstanding relationships with these facilities, enabling us to channel supplies, support, and funding to where it’s most needed.

Some medical supplies were prepositioned in Gaza before the most recent escalation. Since then, our partners have been able to bring in additional shipments whenever humanitarian convoys have been allowed to enter. Access is severely restricted and often delayed, but these limited openings make it possible to keep at least some clinics and hospitals operating.

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