Gaza - 6 months on

7 April 2024 marks six months since the conflict in Gaza began. 

The human cost of this tragedy is enormous, with tens of thousands of lives lost and over 1.7 million people forcibly displaced.

Nearly all of Gaza’s population lacks access to shelter, food, medical services, clean water, education and incomes. The needs continue to grow at an alarming rate as disease spreads and 2.2 million people are at risk of starvation.

Act for Peace continues to stand with their long-term partners, the Near East Council of Churches (NECC) and Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR), who, despite their own individual losses are working tirelessly to provide vital humanitarian assistance and protection to the civilians of Gaza. 

DSPR continues to provide primary health and dental care in the Rafah clinic. In the middle and south Gaza, DSPR-NECC’s clinic is one of four centres that continues to serve the population with services including primary health care, dental care, pharmacy, mother and child health support, psychosocial support and essential medicines and hygiene kits. The clinic treats over 500 patients every day. From their last report at the end of January, DSPR had provided services to 8,654 children and adults in Gaza and supplied 1,000 hygiene and dignity kits.

DSPR responding to the needs of people in Gaza at the Rafah Clinic. (Credit: DSPR)		DSPR providing psychosocial support for children in UNRWA shelters. (Credit: DSPR)

DSPR is also proving psychosocial support for children and mothers in south Gaza through small group sessions and large play sessions for children, as well as psychological first aid. The team of nine mental health staff and four facilitators and volunteers started interventions in UN shelters, reaching over 4,500 people in one week.

More than 620 families also received cash assistance through DSPR, helping to urgently address immediate needs like buying food, water and other essentials.

DSPR has collaborated with local churches in Gaza to provide emergency food support for approximately 800 people seeking refuge inside churches. They are also distributing 11 pallets of milk boxes to children in need, helping to provide urgent nutritional support.

We are committed to continuing to support our partners and the critical work they are undertaking in Gaza. According to DSPR Executive Secretary, Nader, the world cannot turn away.

“The world can’t relax while people are dying every minute. Every minute. Every 10 minutes there is a child killed in Gaza,” he says.

“I want to express my gratitude to you and all our supporters. Your care, concern, and generosity are not just bringing back hope but are making a real difference in the lives of those affected by this crisis. Your solidarity reflects shared values of justice, compassion, and the fundamental right to live with dignity.”

Your support is greatly appreciated, it makes this vital work possible.

You are helping provide urgent humanitarian assistance and protection for civilians in Gaza. Together, we will continue working towards creating a world where people who have been displaced have a safe place to belong.

Act for Peace today by giving to their Gaza Emergency Appeal