Gaza is suffering. Before October 7, about 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million people needed humanitarian aid. Now, almost everyone urgently needs help. Anera is providing food, water, medicine, and hygiene kits to those in Gaza affected by the war. Donate now to help innocent people in Gaza.

Stay updated on Gaza's news and track Anera's daily response log.

BY THE NUMBERS

The Situation in Gaza

85%

of Gaza's population is displaced.

With more than 1.8 million people forced from their homes, the humanitarian crisis is acute and only growing worse.

> 50%

of homes in Gaza have been completely destroyed.

Many Palestinian families are now homeless or at overcrowded UN shelters with little to no resources.

141 square miles

is the total size of the Gaza Strip.

Before the war, Gaza's more than 2 million residents were spread out in this small strip of land.

Gaza War

The 2023-2024 Gaza war has been marked by tragic humanitarian crises, exacerbating the long-standing suffering of civilians in the territory. The conflict began in October 2023 and quickly escalated, leading to widespread devastation in Gaza and a severe humanitarian emergency.

374

days since the war began.

Casualties and Displacement

The conflict has resulted in a high number of civilian casualties, including many women and children. Tens of thousands have been killed or injured due to Israel's intense bombardment and ground offensives. The fighting has forced 80% of Gaza's population to flee their homes. Most are now living in overcrowded shelters with limited access to basic necessities.

Infrastructure Damage

Gaza's infrastructure has been severely damaged, including hospitals, schools, and residential buildings. The destruction of essential services has badly impeded relief efforts and increased the suffering of the civilian population. The few medical facilities that are functioning are overwhelmed, struggling to treat the wounded amid shortages of supplies and staff.

Humanitarian Access and Aid

Israel has restricted humanitarian access to Gaza, complicating efforts to deliver aid. Border closures and security concerns limit the flow of food, medicine, and other vital supplies. International organizations and local non-profits are working under extremely challenging conditions to provide assistance, but the needs far exceed the available resources.

Water and Sanitation Crisis

The war has exacerbated Gaza's pre-existing water and sanitation crisis. Damage to water infrastructure has left many without access to clean water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Sanitation services are also disrupted, contributing to unsanitary living conditions in most areas.

Psychological Impact

The psychological toll on Gaza's population is profound. Continuous exposure to violence, loss, and uncertainty has led to widespread trauma, particularly among children. Mental health services are limited, and the need for psychological support is immense.

International Response

The international community has called for ceasefires and increased humanitarian aid, but efforts to secure lasting peace have been fraught with difficulties. Humanitarian organizations are advocating for sustained access to Gaza to provide relief and rebuild essential services.

Long-term Consequences

The long-term consequences of the 2023-2024 Gaza war will likely include deepened poverty, prolonged displacement, and lasting psychological scars. Rebuilding efforts will require significant international support and a focus on sustainable development to address the root causes of the conflict and improve the living conditions of Gaza's residents.

Overall, the humanitarian perspective of the 2023-2024 Gaza war highlights the urgent need for immediate relief, sustained support, and a comprehensive approach to peacebuilding to alleviate the suffering of civilians and prevent future crises.

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Palestinian civilians fleeing northern Gaza due to Israeli bombing and military evacuation orders, November 17, 2023.
Palestinian civilians fleeing northern Gaza due to Israeli bombing and military evacuation orders, November 17, 2023.

Anera's Gaza staff, from the very communities they serve, demonstrate extraordinary dedication in these challenging times. Their heroic efforts persist despite facing the same levels of violence and displacement as the rest of Gaza's population. Recognizing the imperative to prioritize safety, Anera emphasizes that our staff must adopt all reasonable measures to safeguard themselves and their families. This commitment extends to refraining from work or aid delivery until conditions are deemed safe. For more information about our work in Gaza, see our Gaza FAQs.

Who lives in Gaza?
A population of refugees and their descendants

The wars of 1948 and 1967 left hundreds of thousands of Palestinians homeless. Many ended up in Gaza and approximately 80% of the current population is not from there, but instead originated from other parts of historic Palestine. Over time, the eight Palestinian refugee camps transitioned from tents to semi-permanent housing.

Learn more, read our Gaza Primer.

Deir Al Balah camp in Gaza, UNWRA photo
Deir Al Balah camp in Gaza, UNWRA photo

What Was the Situation in the Gaza Strip Before October 7th?

Between 2007 and October 2023, a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt had stifled Gaza's economy, restricting the import and export of goods, including vital medical supplies and farmers' produce. This situation led to widespread poverty, with a shortage of medicines and medical equipment affecting Gaza's residents.

Hospitals in Gaza faced challenges treating patients due to outdated medical equipment and shortages of essential supplies like blood bags and medications. Individuals with disabilities encountered difficulties with inadequate care and inaccessible facilities. Water quality remained a concern, contributing to illnesses, while poor sanitation, exacerbated by the absence of sewage networks, further compounded the hardships faced by communities.

Critical resources like water and electricity were in severe shortage, with daily power cuts due to inconsistent supply from fuel and electricity providers. Gaza residents grappled with a power crisis, impacting water purification, farming, and daily tasks. The unpredictable nature of electricity availability disrupted daily routines, making it challenging for residents to focus on essential activities.

Despite these myriad challenges, the resilient people of Gaza had successfully built a functioning and intricate society that encompassed commerce, small businesses, education, art and culture, basic healthcare and private ownership of property and possessions. Regrettably, much of this progress was dismantled after October 7th, leaving the community devastated. In light of these dire circumstances, it becomes imperative for the international community to formulate and present a new vision for Gaza, aiming to alleviate the profound suffering experienced by the Palestinian population in the region.

GAZA STORIES

Our Impact

Many of these stories take place before the Gaza war started on October 7, 2023 and reflect Anera’s long term development work in the region.

Learn About Anera's Deep Roots in Gaza

Anera has delivered programs in Palestine since 1968. Choose a governate and click to learn more about Anera's work in that area.

Gaza Map

Gaza Palestinian Refugee Camps

Gaza is home to about 24 percent of the world's Palestinian refugees, second only to Jordan, which is home to about 40 percent. Many Palestinian refugees also live in the West Bank, Syria and Lebanon. Before the war, Gaza's refugees lived in eight different refugee camps. Now many of these camps have been bombed, depopulated and reduced to rubble.

In this log, Anera will provide updates on unfolding war in Palestine and our response. Please stay tuned here for the latest information.

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