UKIM extends a heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude for your unwavering support, which has profoundly impacted Gaza during these extremely challenging times. Your generosity is tangibly improving the lives of thousands.
The situation in Gaza, now recognised as "one of the worst humanitarian crises faced by any civilian population this century," continues to deteriorate. Nearly 1.9 million people, representing 85% of Gaza's population, are in constant search for refuge with no place truly safe. According to the UNOCHA, the number of fatalities has now exceeded 38,000. Every hour in Gaza, 15 people are killed, including six children; 35 people are injured; and 12 buildings are destroyed. To date:
- More than half of Gaza’s homes have been destroyed or damaged.
- 86% of school buildings have been damaged.
- 2.2 million people, including children and women, are facing critical water scarcity and food insecurity.
- 83% of groundwater wells are non-operational.
The existing challenges in accessing humanitarian aid are exacerbating, with the scarcity of clean water and food intensifying. UKIM is continuously working with our partners in Egypt and inside Gaza to explore ways of delivering your valuable support to the devastated and war-torn families, including women, children, and the elderly. Your aid is also reaching patients and the injured in hospitals.
UKIM's Historical Response and Support to Gaza
Since 2012, UKIM has provided support to over a million of the most vulnerable people in Gaza and continues to offer ongoing assistance:
- Over the past decade, UKIM has executed humanitarian aid projects in Gaza, supporting more than 500,000 individuals through the timely distribution of relief items like food, water, medicine, hygiene kits, and shelter support.
- UKIM has played a pivotal role in offering financial support to several key medical facilities, including Hayfa Medical Hospital, Al-Aqsa Hospital, Public Aid Hospital, Patient Friend Hospital, and Al Shifaa Hospital. This assistance has supported emergency responses to COVID-19, enhancement of women's health, essential surgeries for women, and the implementation of the Palestine Healthcare Intervention for the Babies Clinic. UKIM also offers psychological support for children and mothers.
- UKIM supported Al-Aqsa Hospital by installing a Water Desalination Plant to supply clean drinking water systems for 15 schools, constructed three water filtration plants benefiting 7,500 people daily, and distributed drinking water through water trucking.
- In the last decade, UKIM has provided sponsorship for over 2,500 children in Gaza through various initiatives, including the Hifz Quran project, Disabled Children Sponsorship, orphan sponsorship, and the adopt-a-family project.
- UKIM has created opportunities for families in Gaza through initiatives such as cultivating olive and citrus trees, vegetable gardening, and skill courses for youth, as well as engaging in beekeeping. Supported 670 families for small businesses through interest-free loans and grants. Installed solar panels in homes and community centres, benefiting 2,084 households. Distributed 2,500 chargeable lamps to families in areas without electricity. Empowered women through vocational training and supported business start-ups. Initiated a bakery project to aid the poor in Gaza, providing free bread to 100 families every day.
What is UKIM Doing in Response?
With your invaluable support, we've managed to send funds to Gaza to provide:
- Family Survival Packs: These essential kits have reached hundreds of families in Gaza, offering crucial sustenance and relief in these challenging circumstances. We distributed over 6,500 family survival packs. Additionally, 3 trucks of food, hygiene kits, and water, delivered through the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and our partners in Egypt, benefited 5,250 families. We are in constant contact with our partners in Gaza and Egypt for further support.
- Flour Distribution: UKIM distributed 2,000 bags of flour, each weighing 25kg, to 2,000 households of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Rafah area. This food assistance will satisfy the nutritional requirements of the people, providing 1 million meals.
- Winter Support: We provided a truck of blankets to 1,000 families in collaboration with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society to protect them from severe winter conditions.
- Clean Drinking Water: Access to uncontaminated water is a fundamental need, and your contributions have ensured that over 2,500 people receive clean water daily. UKIM provided emergency drinking water for Palestinian IDPs in Rafah, Gaza Strip, through 100 water trucks.
- Life-saving Medical Supplies: Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed by the crisis, and your support has enabled us to furnish these facilities with essential medical supplies, saving numerous lives. We distributed more than 55,000 medical items that benefited over 50,000 civilians in Gaza Strip.
- Ambulance Services: Our ambulances have been at the forefront, offering immediate aid and transportation to those injured. This service has benefited over 20,000 patients. Your support is directly saving lives, and we are in the process of delivering two additional well-equipped ambulances to Gaza hospitals through our partners.
- Ramadan Programme: Our initiative involves the distribution of more than 1,500 food packs in Gaza, which also extends to internally displaced individuals from Gaza residing in the West Bank. UKIM arranged an Iftar Meal at Al-Aqsa Mosque, benefiting more than 350 individuals.
- Qurbani Programme: UKIM organised Qurbani in the West Bank and Al-Quds, supporting 500 internally displaced families from Gaza.
- Children's Programme: We are presently providing sponsorship for over 1,100 children in Gaza. We are actively reaching out to our partners for updates, although communication remains limited.
As soon as border restrictions ease, we're preparing to send further life-saving aid to Gaza.
UKIM's Future Plan of Action
in Gaza, we are preparing to act once circumstances permit. Our efforts will encompass:
- Providing healthcare support through ambulance services, essential surgeries, medical supplies, and mental and psychological support.
- Supplying clean water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies. We will also focus on restoring damaged water supply infrastructure.
- Distributing food and essential household items to those displaced or who have lost their sources of income.
- Supporting and sponsoring children through UKIM's Disabled Children Sponsorship, orphan sponsorship, and adopt-a-family project.
- Providing shelter support to vulnerable families in Gaza and displaced locations.
The situation remains critical, and your continued support is vital. Thank you for your compassion and generosity.
Together, we can create a meaningful and lasting impact.
UKIM Relief Team
