By Sarah Hegland, Programs Manager, Penny Appeal USA
We have received so many great questions from donors about how we’re getting aid into Gaza. We’ve been working with local partners in Gaza since our inception in 2015, providing both emergency aid and long-term support.
When the conflict began last October, our partners on the ground responded immediately with proposals about how we could best support people there, and they’ve been sharing constant reports and proposals with us ever since then. They tell us the problems they’re seeing on the ground and offer solutions for us to support with your donations. They tell us what’s available in the marketplace and what is not. They tell us which borders are closed and where goods are coming through. They tell us which bank branches are closed and how they’ve found ways to access funds.
What is Available in the Local Markets?
There are many goods available in the local markets in Gaza. Some of them were already there before the war began, and many have been coming in on the trucks coming from Egypt. One partner told us that they tried to procure their own goods through the humanitarian corridors from Egypt, but were asked for bribes in order to facilitate a smooth transfer. They decided to let others bring in goods via the trucks, and instead focused on what they could buy locally.
Here are examples of how our partners have been able to provide ‘aid from within’ Gaza:
- One partner noticed a need for cleaning and sanitation services for displaced Palestinians who were living in temporary tents and shelters. They were able to procure cleaning supplies in the local markets and they provided cash to displaced persons to do the cleaning work.
- One partner saw that there were plenty of hygiene and dignity goods available in the markets in Northern Gaza, and proposed that we help distribute them to locally displaced people.
- Another partner noticed that there were plenty of wheelchairs, crutches, canes, and blood pressure monitors coming in from Egypt, and proposed that we help connect vulnerable families with these resources.
- Another partner connected with a solar-powered water purification facility near Rafah City, and proposed bringing clean water to the most vulnerable areas.
Finding Ways to Feed People
Finding ways to feed vulnerable people has been a priority for us from the beginning. The availability and prices of food in the local markets are constantly changing, and the proposals we receive reflect this. Back in February, there were plenty of fruits and vegetables available in the markets, so our partner proposed distributing them to the poorest families.
Meat is in short supply and very expensive. We were able to provide Qurbani meat to 400 vulnerable people in April, at the highest rate we’ve ever paid for a share. We are currently distributing food boxes with enough food to last one month for one family. Normally our partner tells us what will be included in these boxes before we sign the agreement, but this time they said that the type of protein they include will depend on what’s available in the markets. They will do their best to include meat, but if they cannot find enough in the markets then they’ll include other available protein sources such as beans or dairy. In that case the price of the food box will be cheaper, and they will be able to distribute more of them.
Meanwhile, we’ve seized every opportunity to partner with those offering hot meals to displaced people.
Conclusion
We are constantly telling our partners on the ground in Gaza how much we appreciate them. They are resilient, resourceful, and committed to doing everything they can to help their fellow brothers and sisters. As one partner told us when we asked them how they were still able to function after so much destruction: “No surprise, but Gaza is like the phoenix . . continuously rising from its ashes, which is why life goes on here despite everything! That’s the only explanation!”
