Exploring the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

Image by Samar Abu Elouf [i]

Overview of the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis[ii] [iii] [iv] [v] [vi]

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has led to an alarming humanitarian crisis, with significant impacts on the lives of the Palestinian population. Continuous Israeli bombardment and ground invasion have forced over 200,000 people to flee, overwhelming the available resources. Hospitals are strained, with only one in the north capable of treating patients, and many located in areas of active fighting.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reports that 80% of Gaza's population was food insecure even before the conflict began, but since then numbers have escalated. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is struggling to provide basic services, facing challenges such as fuel shortages and limitations on importing food and medicine. Critical infrastructure, including sewage pumping stations, water wells, and desalination plants, has ceased operations due to a lack of fuel. This threatens public health, increasing the risk of water contamination and disease outbreaks. Displacement is rampant, as individuals struggle to access clean water, and result to shelters which are severely overcrowded. Shelters report cases of acute respiratory infections, diarrhea, and chickenpox, further straining the already overwhelmed healthcare system.

Efforts are being made by organizations like Anera and UNFPA to provide relief supplies, including meals, hygiene kits, and medical aid. However, the scale of the crisis far exceeds the current aid levels.

Why is this happening?

The root causes of the crisis involve longstanding geopolitical tensions, the Israeli blockade of Gaza, and the historical context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The sixteen-year blockade by Israel has contributed to the severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with limited access to essential resources and services. The recent conflict escalated tensions, leading to mass displacements, destruction of infrastructure, and a collapse of essential services.

Understanding the Conflict:

Impact on Children[vii]

“In all wars it is children who suffer first and suffer most.”

The escalation of hostilities has led to catastrophic impacts on children with more than 5,000 reported child deaths, thousands wounded, and half of the people displaced being children.

Extensive casualties and displacement are coupled with limited access to essential services; Access to water, food, fuel, and medicine is woefully inadequate. The lack of these basic necessities puts the health and well-being of children at immediate risk and jeopardizes their long-term development.

The conflict has also violated the sanctity of spaces meant for the well-being of children. Hospitals and schools have become targets of bombings, contravening international humanitarian law. This not only endangers the lives of children but also disrupts their access to education and critical healthcare services.

How TikTok is assisting Humanitarian Aid for the people of Gaza[viii]

27-year-old creator, Jourdan Johnson’s Watermelon Filter, “Filter for Good”, is allowing users to raise funds to support the wounded civilians in Gaza through TikTok’s Effect Creator program that pays the creator every time the effect is used. Louise promises to donate all funds collected to humanitarian organizations working for the region.

The Watermelon is a Palestine Symbol of solidarity ever since the Six-Day War in 1967, “when Israel banned public displays of the Palestinian flag in Gaza and the West Bank after seizing control of the areas.” They started to use this symbol to get around the law.

Only a week after it went live, it had already acquired 14 thousand dollars, and today the filter has reached 10.3 million posts. Creators are urging their followers to support and use the filter to assist humanitarian relief. The filter is an easy way for anyone to support the people wounded by the conflict. A quick video that does not necessarily have go live – can be uploaded only for the eyes of the creator – can significantly contribute to the efforts of international organizations to provide support to those threatened.

How to Help

1. Raise Awareness:

Share information about the crisis to raise awareness among your friends, family, and social networks. Utilize social media platforms, blogs, and others to share information and stories related to the crisis. You can do so through the “Filter for Good” on TikTok.

2. Engage in Fundraising:

Organize, participate, or support fundraising events to collect donations for humanitarian organizations working in the region.

3. Donate to Humanitarian Organizations:

Support organizations such as the UNFPA, Alamal International, Islamic Aid, and UNICEF that are actively working to aid and relieve afflicted communities.

Relevant Links: