In Pictures: Getting Food to Families Facing Starvation Conditions in Gaza
As malnutrition and starvation conditions spread across Gaza, our partners the Pontifical Mission for Palestine (PMP) and the Near East Council of Churches (NECC), have responded with a joint emergency project, providing vital supplies of flour to over 500 families in Gaza City.
With food stocks in Gaza at critically low levels, continued daily security threats from the ongoing conflict and facing food shortages themselves, the achievement of our partners‘ staff in successfully running this project is little short of miraculous:
Food supplies in Gaza are extremely limited, but our partners were able to source the flour by using a number of different local suppliers through their local connections. With support from Embrace and other donors, they were able to procure over 5,000kg of flour.
Fuel for cooking is currently available in the area, so suppling dry, non-perishable items such as flour (rather than preprepared meals) is the best way to get the vital sources of food in bulk to those who need it.
Once procured, the flour was then inspected to ensure its quality and divided into 10kg parcels for distribution.
Over 550 families each received a supply of flour. These were a mix of Christian families, many of whom are still sheltering in the two churches in Gaza, and Muslim families from the neighbourhood around the churches.
Particular care was given to ensure the distribution points were accessible to those with mobility issues or additional needs, so that all, including the most vulnerable, were able to get supplies.
PMP staff involved in the flour distribution told us of the importance of its impact:
“While acknowledged as a temporary measure, the project’s outcomes were vital for the resilience of sheltering or displaced families. It offered a crucial lifeline, enabling these families to meet their most basic needs ...This access to a consistent, basic food source, even if temporary, plays a crucial role in preventing further deterioration of nutritional status, especially among the most vulnerable.“
Although Israeli authorities have stated that there are no restrictions on aid getting into Gaza, the reality on the ground is very different. Last month, Embrace joined 100 charities in issuing a statement detailing how Israeli regulations continue to severely hamper aid efforts. While malnutrition and starvation continue in Gaza, we will keep pushing for urgent international action, while also supporting the practical efforts of our partners in Gaza to get vital supplies and medical care to those in urgent need.
We need your support to continue our work in Gaza
The projects run by our partners in Gaza are providing a vital lifeline. While our Christian sisters and brothers in Gaza are the hands and feet of our work there, you also play a vital role. It it only through your donations that we are able to provide the funds they need for their work. Together, we are making a difference – please continue to give what you can to support this work.
