Simmering tensions in the Middle East appear to have tipped into an unprecedented escalation, worsening the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Struggling civilians once more face the horror of major airstrikes, with a rapidly rising death toll and hundreds of thousands of people displaced with nowhere safe to go.Islamic Relief is appalled by recent reports of deaths and violence, and continues to strongly condemn any and all violence against civilians. We plead with all parties to exercise restraint to avoid further civilian casualties.

At least 26,422 Palestinians have been killed and more than 65,087 injured. This number is expected to increase rapidly as airstrikes continue. Nearly 50% of deaths are children.

In the Westbank, over 330 have been killed and at least 2,750 injured.At least 23,210 Palestinians have been killed and more than 59,167 injured. This number is expected to increase rapidly as airstrikes continue.In the Gaza Strip, the strikes are thought to have destroyed tens of thousands of homes, and 4 in 5 people have had to flee their homes. As many are forced to seek shelter in dozens of schools and hospitals, they urgently need food and other basic survival items.There are also serious health concerns due to poor sanitation and overcrowding. Outbreaks of Hepatitis A have been reported, which is highly contagious and is just one of the growing risks of diseases that civilians in Gaza are exposed to.To make matters worse, the healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, due to widespread destruction and damage of hospitals. Medical facilities which are in operation are extremely inadequate and overcrowded- with reports of centres holding three times as many patients as their capacities.

Islamic Relief remains steadfast in our determination to assist Palestinian families. Working closely with our local partners, we are preparing our humanitarian response, which is likely to initially focus on distributing medical supplies and survival items.

Islamic Relief's response 

2,274,000 medical items have been distributed

14,170 families have received food parcels

4,245 families have received food vouchers

101,732 families have received fresh vegetable packages

1,008,458 families have received ready-to-eat meals

16,404 people have received clean water

42,676 families have received hygiene kits

200 shelters have received hygiene items

50,581 children have received psychosocial support

🤲🏽 “£6 million of aid has already been delivered, but of course, this is nowhere near enough, and we continue to serve the people of Palestine.” — Zia Salik (Deputy Director, Islamic Relief UK)

📦 Alhamdulillah, our colleagues on the ground in #Gaza have distributed over £6 million in aid so far, from hot meals and food packs, to medical supplies, blankets and mattresses.

💙 Please keep our colleagues, and the people of #Palestine in your prayers.

We have been providing humanitarian relief in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 1997, serving as a lifeline for communities struggling with the devastating effects of occupation, blockade and recurring conflict. As Palestinian families face fresh suffering in Gaza, Islamic Relief is calling on supporters to help us provide much-needed humanitarian aid.

With your support, Islamic Relief will remain a lifeline for Palestinian families. Please give generously to our Palestine Emergency Appeal now.

⛑️ £60 can provide life-saving essentials

📦 £120 can provide two families with life-saving food

‼️ £200 can provide emergency medical supplies

Why donate to the Palestine emergency through Islamic Relief?

Islamic Relief began working in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in 1997, providing life-saving emergency aid and crucial nutritional, educational and psychosocial support to families in the region.

Our teams are providing emergency medical assistance, bedding, food vouchers and other essential aid to displaced families and those most in need.

Islamic Relief is calling for international aid to support rebuilding damaged infrastructure, strengthening health and electricity networks and providing psychosocial support.

Islamic Relief strongly condemns all violence against civilians – including the most recent loss of lives. All Palestinians and Israelis, regardless of religion or ethnicity, have the right to live in safety and dignity, and to have their fundamental human rights upheld. We are calling for an immediate end to the escalating violence as any further escalation will inevitably increase civilian casualties. Islamic Relief calls on world leaders to step up efforts to prevent any further escalation of violence, but also to demand an end to the occupation and work towards a just and lasting peace agreement.

How your donations are making a difference to the people of Palestine

Since we have begun working in Palestine, we have been able to:

Supported around six million people.

Delivered programmes worth almost £109 million.

Repaired and restored over 1,500 homes in Gaza.

Provided clean drinking water to over 1 million people in schools and health facilities.

Supported over 300,000 children and sponsored over 15,000 orphans.

Delivered Ramadan and Qurbani food to around 200,000 people a year.

Helped over 2,000 families to earn a reliable living.

This is only possible with your ongoing support. Your generous donations are having a life-saving impact.

May Allah swt reward you abundantly for your support and generosity. Please call me on 07985679368 if you have any queries.

JazakAllah

Fatima Ayub