Nearly a year into the Gaza war, vulnerable children need your help more than ever

The Gaza strip has been subjected to continuous, deadly violence since the conflict started last year. More than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including more than 15,000 children. Millions more lives remain under constant threat with 60 percent of residential homes destroyed and most hospitals damaged or inaccessible, making the outbreak of disease a real threat. No less than 86 percent of the people have been forced from their homes as heavy fighting persists.

Aid workers are not exempted. According to figures compiled by the Aid Worker Security Database (AWDS) at least 196 humanitarians have been killed since the conflict started in October last year. August 19 was Humanitarian Day, a day to remember and recognize humanitarian personnel and those who have died working for humanitarian causes. The theme for World Humanitarian Day 2024 is #ActForHumanity, a powerful reminder of the importance of the protection and treatment of civilians – including humanitarian workers – during war.

Preventing a Lost Generation

The children living through this conflict in Gaza may become a lost generation, their choices stolen without a proper education or chance for a better future. Just trying to go to school has become dangerous as 88 percent of schools have been damaged.

Civilians in Gaza urgently need more humanitarian support from around the world as they struggle to survive.

“We cannot abandon these children and families or ignore their cries for help,” says Fred Witteveen, CEO, Children Believe. “Canadians have shown tremendous generosity already, but the need isn’t going away. So we need to redouble our efforts and answer the call by donating to humanitarian relief.”

Providing a lifeline on the frontline

Kareem, a 39-year-old mother of five girls, was displaced with her family several times until they settled in the Abdul Karim Al-Aklouk School in Deir al Balah. She faced challenges to provide water and hygiene materials for her two daughters, who are of puberty age.

WeWorld, a member of ChildFund Alliance with Children Believe, is working on the ground in Gaza to provide vital assistance. After attending a WeWorld health awareness session and joining local hygiene committee meetings focused on the needs of women and girls during emergencies, Kareem shared: “I greatly benefited from the advice given during these awareness workshops. We learned how to find alternative ways to maintain cleanliness despite limited resources. The period of menstruation for my daughters was a time of great fear and anxiety due to the lack of privacy, safety, and necessary materials. The awareness team provided direct advice and guidance to my daughters, distributing awareness posters on the subject and sanitary pads“.

Emergency operations like this, provided by WeWorld are supported by donations through Children Believe and ChildFund Alliance, has reached over 500,000 people so far. More than 77 locations have been provided with water-trucking services, 93 blocks of dry latrines have been constructed, and new sanitation facilities provided in 11 schools. The schools have served as shelters for internally-displaced-people. Also, 630,000 units of critically needed items have been distributed, including gender-sensitive hygiene kits.

To enhance personal safety and hygiene, 12,450 water jerrycans and 100 bags of diapers have been distributed in Khan Younis and Deir Al Balah areas.

Food distribution aiming to reach 7,000 families (see chart below).

How you can help

Your support is a lifeline for the children and families facing the impact of deadly violence. Nearly all of the population in Gaza now rely on humanitarian aid for basic necessities, including food, water, shelter and hygiene supplies.

Children Believe, as a member of ChildFund Alliance is committed to supporting children around the world. Your donation will not only save lives but also bring a chance for protection to children and families faced by war.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.