Violence in Gaza

 Months after the violence erupted between the military forces of Israel and Hamas militants, the long-term effects of trauma experienced by 1.5 million civilians in Gaza continue to be seen. 
ACT-supported medical workers report that people intuitively still look into sky for planes every time they leave their homes and on the street people are scared by loud voices or the sudden moves of others.

The latest violence comes after a months-long blockade of Gaza imposed by Israel and a rejected proposal for ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Palestinians residing in the Gaza Strip are unable to escape the conflict which is nearing 1,300 Palestinians casualties in Gaza, including more than 400 children, and wounding more than 5,300 since air raids first began on December 27. Thirteen Israeli soldiers and civilians have died in the same period.

The situation within Gaza is in constant struggle. Food commodities and fresh water are scarce and the constant feeling of insecurity keeps many in their homes even though an average wait time for bread in mornings is roughly four hours. “Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas on the earth,” said Robert Smith, ELCA Global Mission Director for Europe and the Middle East. “Because of years of occupation and then blockade, most civilians live in extreme poverty.” Rolling blackouts have plagued the region for over a week and as a result pumps used to bring water into households are not functioning and sewage networks are flooding.

Hospitals are also suffering from rolling blackouts; generators operate around the clock in order to keep the doors of the hospital open even though minimal medical supplies and overworked or understaffed medical teams make it difficult to treat patients with chronic illnesses let alone those with life threatening medical needs. On Jan. 12 an Israeli missile destroyed a hospital in Shijaiya, Gaza. Established in 1968, the hospital provided treatment free-of-charge to community residents living below the poverty line.

As the situation is assessed and long-term plans are made for response to Gaza, the Action by Churches Together (ACT) Palestine Forum is underway with an emergency response plan around prioritized needs:

Emergency medical supplies and medicines

Emergency nutrition supplement to vulnerable groups

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Trauma counseling

The ACT Palestine Forum is comprised of Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), the International Orthodox Christian Charity (IOCC), the Middle East Council of Churches Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) and others.

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