AMA delivers emergency aid in Gaza amidst ongoing war
Gaza has been plunged into a deep humanitarian crisis since the war which started on 7 October.
Israel has cut off all food, water, electricity and fuel on the besieged enclave from 9 October, leaving people without basic essentials and struggling to survive.
With the situation in the besieged enclave already being difficult due to an over decade long air, land and sea blockade imposed by Israel, this most recent war has completely overwhelmed the already struggling economy as well as hospitals and access to basic essentials.
Air strikes have also caused severe damage to mosques, schools and hospitals where Palestinians have been sheltering.
Humanitarian organisations, including UNICEF, have now warned against the risk of waterborne disease and infections spreading due to the lack of clean water. According to UNICEF, Palestinians have been drinking from old and contaminated water wells due to the lack of clean water.
On the ground, people have not been able to drink clean water, wash or go to the toilet in a sanitary way as all water sources have been cut off in the Strip.
Around seven of Gaza’s 13 hospitals have been rendered completely out of service due to the bombings, leaving the remaining ones to be severely under pressure while also underequipped. Surgeons in Gaza told local media that they are being forced to operate without the use of painkillers, and that there are no tools, medicines or support for people in critical conditions or for pregnant women.
Gaza’s remaining hospitals are running on generators, which are likely to run out very soon, while Gaza’s only power plant has already stopped working.
Humanitarian aid efforts have also been significantly hampered by Israel, after the Rafah crossing was bombed four times.
More than 513,000 Palestinians are taking shelter at UN facilities across Gaza, a number roughly equal to one-quarter of Gaza’s population, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).
Emergency assistance
On the ground, AMA’s Gaza team has been working hard to distribute bread to civilians as well as food packages.
Despite the challenges, including one of AMA’s videographers being severely wounded by Israeli bombardment, the aid has been reaching some of the most vulnerable people, including children.
At least 3,785 Palestinians have been killed so far, with over 1,500 of them being children.
In Gaza’s Khan Yunis, Palestinians have resorted to living in makeshift tents as returning to their homes becomes difficult amidst the ongoing bombardment.
Despite global calls around the world for a ceasefire, the humanitarian situation has dramatically worsened, with immediate needs being food and water.
Hot meals are being cooked by our teams on the ground on a daily basis, and distributed to Palestinians who have been displaced due to their homes being bombed.
