* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
The Gaza Strip has a population of 1.8 million people. 28% of its inhabitants are unemployed, and 38% live in poverty. * The fifty days of conflict and violence took an extremely heavy toll, both in material and human terms. Despite these difficulties, with the help of your solidarity and valued donations, thousands of children have been supported and become able to resume their usual daily life.
Although the crisis that erupted on July 7 between Israel and Hamas severely limited Terre des hommes’ (Tdh) ongoing activities, our local staff maintained a presence throughout the conflict. The frontline team from Tdh showed composure and an exceptional ability to intervene immediately, and it was able to help the conflict’s first victims.
Response to emergency needs
The foundation has been present for many years in northern Gaza though its project combating child exploitation in Beit Layia, so Tdh could respond quickly to help the conflict’s first victims. Thanks to the availability of funds, Tdh could respond to the population’s urgent needs by distributing food rations as well as hygiene kits and water.
Your donations helped many families
Following our appeal for donations to the Swiss population launched last July, we raised emergency funds which have greatly contributed to humanitarian aid onsite. Tdh has been able to help 1,600 families, or about 11,200 people, in the northern Gaza Strip who were severely affected by the fighting.
What are in the Tdh emergency kits?
What do these kits contain? Our emergency response team explains the contents:
- The food rations distributed to 330 families include canned goods (beef, fish, beans and lentils), rice, sugar, jam, tahini (sesame-based cream), soup cubes, tea bags, tomato sauce, pasta, salt, feta cheese, cheddar cheese, hummus, dates and spices.
- The hygiene kits distributed to 600 families include soap, shampoo and conditioner, toilet paper, table napkins, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, detergent for toilets, chlorine and bleach-based disinfectants, wet wipes, scissors, nail clippers, combs and bath towels.
- Water kits distributed to 350 families include 17-liter jerry cans, soap and buckets. Along with this distribution, Tdh has installed three water tanks that allow for distribution of 6,000 liters per day. Since mid-August, Tdh has provided nearly 100,000 liters of water for hundreds of Gazans.
Terre des hommes thanks all the donors who made this emergency response possible and who have helped so many families and children in need. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
The international effort and humanitarian aid must continue in the Gaza Strip. Our field team continues its work, especially in support of children, by providing water to schools.
* Source: World Bank, November 2013
