Delivering Aid in Gaza: UPA’s Commitment Despite Growing Challenges
The United Nations’ largest agency supporting Palestinian Refugees has recently announced that it has suspended aid deliveries through Gaza’s main crossing points due to escalating safety concerns exacerbated and sustained by the Israeli army’s negligence towards organized crime.
Armed gangs, operating openly in full view of the Israeli military and in Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza, have repeatedly looted aid convoys, leaving millions of our people without the aid meant to reach them.
UPA has had a steadfast presence in Gaza for over 45 years, building deep trust and enduring partnerships that form the foundation of our humanitarian efforts. When the genocide began, our emergency response was launched within 72 hours, making us one of the first organizations to act.
We plan on remaining in Gaza, doing our best to deliver life-saving aid to our people.
Delivering Aid in Gaza: UPA’s Commitment Despite Growing Challenges
UPA’s rapid response drew on decades of preparation and our Fortifying the Palestinian Medical Sector (FPMS) initiative, which allowed us to immediately deliver critical pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to hospitals on the brink of collapse.
Our Mobile Medical Teams (MMTs), comprising healthcare professionals and psychosocial workers, have continued to provide urgent clinical care and psychological support in makeshift shelters, even amid the chaos. These teams were integral to the recent polio vaccination campaign, ensuring that children in Gaza received vital care despite overwhelming challenges.
To combat food insecurity, we have worked tirelessly to secure and distribute fresh and shelf-stable food, clean water, and essential items like clothing and TravelrPack sleeping bags. Each effort is carried out with dignity and care, ensuring aid reaches those in need without added hardship or humiliation.
As other organizations announce pauses in their operations, UPA remains steadfast in our commitment to the people of Gaza. We will do everything in our power to continue delivering life-saving aid, upholding dignity, and addressing critical needs despite the immense challenges.
Over 53% of Water Facilities in Gaza Are Destroyed by Israeli Attacks
Since October 7, more than half of Gaza’s essential water facilities have been severely damaged or destroyed, leading to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Satellite analysis has revealed that 53 percent of Gaza’s 603 water facilities are no longer operational, with critical infrastructure in northern Gaza and Khan Younis sustaining the heaviest damage (Source: BBC). The destruction of these facilities and pipelines has plunged Gaza’s water system into disrepair, putting millions at risk of disease, thirst, and inadequate sanitation.
With four out of six wastewater treatment plants damaged or destroyed and the remaining two shuttered due to supply shortages, untreated sewage now spills into streets and displacement camps. UNICEF’s desalination plant in Deir al-Balah, a lifeline for fresh water, is running at only 30 percent capacity due to severe fuel shortages, further complicating the crisis.
To combat this devastating water scarcity, United Palestinian Appeal (UPA) has launched emergency water distribution efforts across Gaza since October 7, including in the severely affected northern parts of the Gaza Strip.
Despite Israel’s heavy siege and ongoing attacks, our team continues its work on the ground to reach our people, providing clean drinking water and supporting local facilities to ensure that families have access to safe water. UPA’s distributions are designed to address both immediate needs and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, which have already surged across the entire Gaza Strip. To date, our team has been able to distribute over 13,542,500 liters of clean drinking water to Palestinian families.
UPA’s commitment to our people remains steadfast. We continue to provide urgent aid to address their most immediate needs. In these desperate times, UPA is on the ground to ensure that our people in Gaza can access life-sustaining resources, offering hope and resilience in the face of one of humanity’s darkest chapters.
What Israel Banned in Gaza Before October 7
Long before the current genocide in Gaza, Israel’s blockade and restrictions had imposed severe limitations on daily life, impacting everything from access to essential goods to fundamental freedoms.
Since 2007, the blockade has shaped nearly every facet of life in Gaza, restricting movement, commerce, education, and even the availability of basic materials and services. Here are some of the most critical items and freedoms that have been systematically denied to the people of Gaza under Israel’s blockade:
- Medical Supplies and Equipment
Hospitals and clinics in Gaza have long faced critical shortages of essential medical supplies, including medicines, surgical equipment, and basic healthcare tools. Restrictions have severely limited Gaza’s ability to import life-saving equipment, and access to specialized treatments outside Gaza was often denied. This left Gaza’s health sector under immense strain, unable to adequately treat chronic illnesses, emergency cases, or provide critical surgeries.
- Building Materials
Concrete, steel, and other construction materials necessary for rebuilding homes, schools, and infrastructure were heavily restricted. Despite periodic allowances, Israel imposed restrictions on what materials could enter Gaza, claiming that these supplies could be used for military purposes. As a result, rebuilding efforts were slow, leaving many families to live in damaged homes and affecting Gaza’s overall infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.
- Educational Materials and Technology
Essential educational supplies—like books, paper, lab equipment, and computers—were also restricted, hindering Gaza’s already fragile education system. Teachers and students alike faced a shortage of supplies, with Israel’s restrictions creating barriers to quality education, especially in technical fields where access to up-to-date equipment was crucial.
- Agricultural Inputs and Fishing Equipment
Gaza’s agriculture and fishing industries were severely affected, with restrictions placed on items like fertilizers, animal feed, and even fishing nets. These limitations prevented local farmers and fishermen from making a living and impacted Gaza’s food security. Fishing, once a mainstay of Gaza’s economy, was often restricted to a few miles off the coast, reducing fish availability and income for fishing families.
- Fuel and Electricity
Access to regular fuel and electricity shortages have always been a struggle in Gaza. Fuel restrictions affect everything from powering hospitals to water treatment plants, while electricity shortages meant families often went without power for up to 20 hours a day. The limited access to has also directly impacted Gaza’s clean water supply, as desalination and water treatment facilities depend on a consistent power supply to function.
- Movement of People and Goods
Freedom of movement, both in and out of Gaza, was heavily restricted. Palestinians require permits to enter Israel, often denied, even for medical emergencies or family reunifications. Gaza’s economy was further stifled by these restrictions, with most goods either unable to leave Gaza or permitted only in certain quantities and types, curtailing business opportunities and employment.
- Telecommunications and Internet Access
Gaza’s residents have always had limited access to internet and telecommunications infrastructure. Israel controls access to frequencies and hardware, preventing upgrades to high-speed networks leaving Gazans with limited bandwidth, which affects everything from education to healthcare, where options like telemedicine were affected. - Basic Food Items and Household Goods
Periodically, even basic food items, cleaning supplies, and household goods were restricted, leading to widespread shortages and higher prices. Goods that did make it into Gaza were often expensive due to scarcity, which made everyday essentials inaccessible to many families.
These conditions have only worsened due to the ongoing bombardment of Gaza. In the face of the 18-year-long Israeli siege of Gaza and the genocide, we continue our mission to bring essential goods and services to our people on the ground, advocating for their rights to live with dignity and access the basic freedoms and necessities that every human deserves.
One Call Changed Everything: A Woman’s Story from Gaza
For 78-year-old Hind, life in Gaza has been a series of silent struggles. Confined to a wheelchair and living alone in a partially destroyed home, her world was turned upside by the ongoing Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.
When Amal, UPA’s Regional MEAL Manager, called to follow up on a recent clothing voucher distribution, she expected a routine conversation. What she didn’t expect was to uncover a story that revealed not only a dire need for necessities but also a profound yearning for human connection.
On the other end of the line, Hind’s voice was soft but unwavering. Friends had helped her redeem the clothing voucher, as she couldn’t go out herself. But there was so much more to her situation.
“I don’t have anyone—no children to help me. I can’t walk or get anything on my own. I need adult diapers, medications, and food,” Hind shared. Then, in a quieter tone, she added, “Thank you for calling me. I’m just so happy to have someone to talk to. I’ve lost everything. I wish someone could visit me, even if just to say hello.”
Amal listened closely, moved by Hind’s vulnerability. It was clear that her needs went beyond food and medication—she was suffering from profound isolation. Amal knew that immediate action was needed.
A Lifeline of Support
Without delay, Amal escalated Hind’s case to UPA’s Senior Director of Field Operations, and soon after, UPA’s mobile medical team in Gaza City was dispatched to her home. Although the team typically serves nearby communities, Hind’s disability had left her hidden from their reach—until now.
When the team arrived at her door, they brought adult diapers and a hygiene kit. UPA’s psychosocial workers spent time speaking with Hind, offering her emotional support and the promise of regular weekly visits to ease her isolation. The team is also working to secure the medications Hind desperately needs, alongside plans to deliver a food parcel.
Beyond Essentials: The Power of Human Connection
What started as a routine check-in became a lifeline for Hind. The impact of that single phone call runs deep—not only has Hind been connected to essential resources, but she has also found solace in knowing that she is no longer alone. The promise of regular visits from UPA’s team provides not just practical support, but the human connection she had longed for.
Hind’s story reminds us that, sometimes, the smallest gestures—a call, a visit, a listening ear—can make the most profound difference. UPA remains committed to providing both the tangible essentials and the emotional support needed to uplift the most vulnerable members of the Palestinian community.
Honoring Our Elders: UPA’s Commitment to International Day of Older Persons
On this International Day of Older Persons, United Palestinian Appeal (UPA) honors the elders that we serve in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Jordan.
Their experiences and wisdom are a rich source of knowledge that connects us to the deep-rooted heritage of Palestinian culture, and we are dedicated to addressing their needs through comprehensive programs and projects that provide healthcare, essential medications, psychosocial support, food assistance, and opportunities to preserve their cultural heritage.
A Special Spotlight: Jerash Refugee Camp, Jordan
One shining example of this commitment is UPA’s Community Center in the Jerash Refugee Camp in Jordan. The center provides a welcoming space where older adults can participate in meaningful, enriching activities.
To celebrate this year’s International Day of Older Persons, UPA is hosting a series of festivities at the center over the coming days. The celebrations will feature a collaborative play performed by children and elders, emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect toward older generations.
In addition, elders will take part in a mural project, visually expressing their emotions and life experiences through art. Traditional Palestinian wedding songs will be sung, and participants will prepare sweets, keeping the vibrant Palestinian traditions alive. An exhibition of handmade crafts by older women will showcase traditional pieces, highlighting their creativity and cultural artistry.
Programs that Foster Health and Connection
These festivities build upon UPA’s ongoing initiatives at the Community Center, which include sessions on healthy cooking, health awareness, and gardening. These activities not only promote physical and mental well-being but also create a sense of belonging and community among participants.
Beyond the center’s activities, UPA’s mobile medical teams provide critical home-nursing care, bringing essential medical support—ranging from diagnosis to ongoing treatment—directly to the homes of vulnerable elders.
This service ensures that even those who cannot leave their homes receive the care they need, upholding their dignity and well-being.
Our Continued Dedication
As we honor our elders on this special day, UPA remains committed to expanding these efforts and ensuring that the elders in our communities continue to receive the respect, care, and support they deserve. Your ongoing support allows us to provide these vital services and celebrates the elders whose wisdom continues to shape our future.
