AFSC's team in Gaza serve lentil soup at a recent hot meal distribution. Amjad Al Fayomi
Earlier this week, Israel launched a full military takeover of Gaza City , further escalating famine and a genocide against Palestinians that has unfolded over two years. Our staff in Gaza were among those forced to relocate. They joined tens of thousands of Palestinians who had to leave Gaza City after already being displaced multiple times.
“The experience of displacement from north to south is an open wound that bleeds again with every step,” our staff member Firas said. “It’s a living testimony to renewed suffering.”
Despite all they have faced, our staff have continued to serve their communities. Before being forced to leave, our team worked tirelessly to bring lifesaving aid to people in Gaza City and the surrounding areas.
In the last month alone, AFSC and partners provided:
- Hot meals for 40,315 people. Meals have been distributed through community kitchens, street outreach, and through partners in shelters. Fresh vegetables from local farmers we’ve supported made meals more substantial and helped us feed more families.
- 456,000 liters of water—meeting daily needs for 43,000 people in areas where water systems have been destroyed.
- 115 hygiene kits for seniors who lack access to basic sanitation supplies.
- Recreational activities for 200 children and caregivers—providing kids with moments of normalcy amid the ongoing crisis.
Amjad Al Fayomi
In the weeks and months ahead, AFSC’s team will continue doing all they can to save lives amid escalating violence. We’re working with partners to maintain relief operations in the north despite the devastating situation in Gaza City and to serve areas where large numbers of people have relocated.
The challenges our team faces are overwhelming. Israel continues to severely restrict aid from entering Gaza, and safe passage is not granted anywhere. Supplies are running critically low. Almost 1 million people are being pushed into smaller areas. Trees are being cut to make space for the people. The cost of moving from the north to the south is prohibitive to the vast majority and hundreds of thousands are still trapped under Israeli fire in Gaza City, cut off from basic resources.
We know the humanitarian crisis will continue to deteriorate. But we are determined to do everything we can to address the needs where they are.
As a Quaker organization, AFSC opposes violence in all its forms. We work for a world where everyone can live in safety and peace and have all that they need to thrive. That vision compels us to act now.
Palestinians in Gaza cannot wait. Today, every voice is urgently needed to advocate for a permanent ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access in Gaza. Please join us in sending a message to Congress , and join our action hour every Friday to learn more ways to get involved.
Thank you for all the ways you support our work.
