The conflict between Israel and armed groups in Gaza has been escalating, resulting in mounting casualties among civilians on both sides. Between May 10–17, 200 Palestinians have been killed, more than 4,700 have been injured and 58,000 people are currently displaced across Gaza, as reported by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Essential infrastructure, including roads leading to two of the main hospitals in Gaza, have been destroyed by airstrikes. Power supply across Gaza has been reduced to an average of six to eight hours per day, with a number of feeder lines not functioning at all, disrupting healthcare and other basic services, including water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Major telecommunication networks have also been destroyed. As of May 17, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing said that 132 buildings and 384 housing units had been severely damaged and rendered uninhabitable, while another 6,268 had suffered minor damage.
International Medical Corps, which was already on the ground supporting healthcare facilities and operating mobile medical teams, is now providing psychological first aid and other mental health services to affected communities. To address the widespread humanitarian needs, we will continue to work through our staff on the ground and with local partners to reach conflict-affected areas to provide a multi-sector approach that includes emergency medical services, mental health and psychosocial support, WASH and gender-based violence support and protection.
*Note for recurring donations: Once we have determined that the community can continue to respond to the after-effects of this emergency without us, we will scale back our response efforts. At that time, we will redirect your future donations to where it is needed most to help us respond to future outbreaks of conflict, disease or disaster.
