BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
As the Isreali-Gaza war rages, an International Non-governmental Organisation, Mercy Corps has supported over over 180,000 people with emergency food and non-food items in the last one year.
News Rider reports that the Isreali‐Gaza war broke out in October 7, 2023, when Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli civilian communities and military bases.
Officials revealed that 1,139 people were killed and about 250 were taken captive, following Israel’s devastating offensive on Gaza.
A statement by Mercy Corps over the weekend revealed that its teams and partners responded by delivering 8,472 food baskets, 5,004 hygiene kits, 1,379 shelter kits, and provided psychosocial support to 4,422 individuals in Gaza, through donations by individuals.
"Through it all, our incredible supporters continue to be the backbone of our mission as team members on the ground work to deliver critical humanitarian aid to families in the region and prevent the loss of more lives.
"As we reflect on the past year of conflict in Gaza and Israel, will you consider making a first-time gift to support families still facing some of the most difficult hardships across the globe," the statement added.
Since the war broke out, about 90 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million population have been displaced multiple times, according to the United Nations.
More than 42,000 Palestinians have been killed and 100,000 sustained varying degree of injuries after a year of widespread and systematic bombardment, forced displacement, and man-made famine.
The organisation disclosed that peace remains elusive as Palestinians continue to die daily from bombs, bullets, starvation, and disease while Israelis also mourn their lost loved ones and wait for the return of those held hostage.
Several Mercy Corps team members are among the more than two million people inside Gaza, who have endured so much through the past year, and have shared heart-wrenching glimpses into everyday life during the war.
Waleed (not real name) said that the life that once thrived in their yard, has been reduced to nothing but dried lifeless plants.
"Before October 7, our yard wasn’t just soil — it was our haven. We used to grow everything there. It was a lush, thriving space with orange, lemon, guava, apple, olive, peach, grape, and fig trees, and much more. That small patch of earth meant everything to us. But now, that land is gone. The life that once thrived there has been reduced to nothing but dried lifeless plants." he said.
The past year has seen unprecedented volatility and immense suffering across the Middle East, one year since the horrific Hamas attack on Israel, which has cost tens of thousands of Palestinian lives, destroyed generations of families and communities, and laid waste to the entire Gaza Strip.
Another Mercy Corps member, Lojain (not real name) added: "People are worn out from the constant need to flee, each time struggling to find a new place to settle. Whenever they think they’ve found safety, they are forced to move once more."
Gaza is unrecognisable and unlivable today, with virtually no life-sustaining infrastructure remaining, as more than two million people are trying to survive in inhumane conditions, and unable to find clean water or food to sustain themselves.
"I have three children under the age of 18 and one who is 18. The youngest is seven years old. I’m always looking for opportunities for them to learn, but there are no nearby initiatives, and there aren't any resources available to support them, whether it's materials, internet, or electricity." Areej (not real name) said.
Civilians across the Middle East continued to face tremendous suffering as the fighting spread, safe humanitarian zones shrunk, even as aid workers face unrelenting dangers, making humanitarian needs necessary.
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