THE SITUATION
Between October 7, 2023 and August 29, 2024, at least 40,602 Palestinians were killed and 93,855 were injured, with at least 10,000 still missing under the rubble. With nowhere to flee, Palestinians face relentless and widespread attacks across the enclave. Severely restricted humanitarian access has led to unprecedented challenges, further complicated by forced displacement orders and relentless hostilities.
Severe overcrowding at displacement sites, lack of clean water, sanitation facilities and basic hygiene items are taking a heavy toll on civilians, especially women and children. Skin diseases and other infectious diseases are spreading at an alarming rate, underscoring the dire health and humanitarian situation. Food and clean water are in short supply.
HOW WE ARE RESPONDING
CARE has been responding to this emergency since it began. In fact, CARE was one of the first international organizations to respond, distributing prepositioned water and medical supplies.
CARE and our Palestinian partner organizations have been working tirelessly under the shadow of bombs to reach people in Gaza with clean water, medical treatment, shelter kits and hygiene supplies, despite a lack of adequate equipment.
Israel, as the occupying power, must allow full and unrestricted humanitarian access into and across all parts of Gaza and must allow displaced Palestinians to return to their areas of origin across the Gaza Strip. It is critical that aid reaches those who are most vulnerable, including women and girls.
