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.
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.
Since the Nakba in which Israel expelled over 750,000 Palestinians, Palestinians Refugees in Lebanon have faced a challenging existence marked by statelessness, marginalization, and economic hardship.
Image source: Al Jazeera
Masafer Yatta, a collection of Palestinian villages in the South Hebron Hills, is a region marked by its rugged beauty and the resilience of its people. This area faces ongoing challenges due to threats of displacement and ethnic cleansing by the Israeli army.
The Reality in Masafer Yatta
In the 1980s, the Israeli occupation designated Masafer Yatta as ‘Firing Zone 918’, a closed military zone. Since then, locals have faced the constant threat of forced eviction, demolition, and forcible transfer. As a result, the villages of Khirbet Sarura and Kharoubeh have been abandoned since 2000, when violent settlers drove the families out.
Palestinians in Masafer Yatta depend on farming and shepherding for their livelihoods, but attacks from Israeli settlers, under the protection of the army, make life increasingly difficult. They are prevented from building infrastructure and lack access to essential services like water, electricity, and paved roads.
Since October 7, the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem reports that 13 herding communities in the region have been displaced due to settler violence.
Resilience and Hope
The resilience of Masafer Yatta’s residents is evident in their daily lives and their unwavering commitment to their land and heritage. Through the combined efforts of residents, international allies, and organizations like the United Palestinian Appeal (UPA), there is hope that the heritage and way of life in Masafer Yatta can be preserved for future generations.
UPA works on the ground to provide humanitarian assistance and support sustainable development projects for clean water access.
As a cab driver in Gaza, Amjad has very modest means and carries a heavy weight on his shoulders; he has four children to provide for.
This Ramadan, UPA is asking our supporters to Extend the Table for Palestinian refugees and vulnerable families in our community. We have identified new ways to reach out to those who might otherwise be forgotten; and in doing so offer not only food, but food with dignity and sustainable solutions to food insecurity.
Run a race distance of your choosing while raising funds for Palestinian students in the West Bank and Gaza.
UPA supports centers providing health care to marginalized families and communities.
Thank you for commemorating our 40th year of service with us.