"Although Islamic Relief has no connection with the Gaza flotilla, we deplore the loss of life and injury sustained during the Israeli army raid on the ships. We express our condolences to families of those killed and wish the injured a full and speedy recovery. Islamic Relief calls upon the UN and international community to undertake a full, independent and transparent inquiry into the raid and to take whatever action is deemed necessary by such an inquiry.
“The incident is a terrible reminder that the humanitarian situation in Gaza as presently configured is totally unsustainable and, in accordance with Security Council demands, Islamic Relief also reiterates its grave concern at the humanitarian situation in Gaza and stresses the need for sustained and regular flow of goods and people as well as unimpeded provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza."
More about Islamic Relief in Palestine
- 60% of the population live on less than $2 a day
- Nearly 50% of Palestinians suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- In the last 2 years the numbers of poor have tripled, to around 2 million.
-50% of the population rely on food aid for survival.
The humanitarian crisis in Palestine is deepening. In recent years, thousands of Palestinians have been killed and tens of thousands injured - including many children. Palestinian homes, farmlands and businesses have been destroyed by bulldozers and tanks. Curfews and travel restrictions have resulted in an unemployment rate of over 60%. Without jobs families have no income, and they are left to struggle with crippling poverty.
The rising rates of malnutrition and anemia reflect the misery of their situation. Hundreds of thousands of people are now dependant upon food assistance.
Islamic Relief in Palestine
Islamic Relief has worked in Palestine since 1994, and opened its Gaza City office in 1998. Since then, Islamic Relief has been working to help the Palestinians with food aid, medical relief, small business loans, and orphan sponsorship. Islamic Relief has also established educational enhancement centres, care programs for psychologically traumatized children, and a school for the deaf.