On 19 January, a fragile ceasefire allowed for a relative, much-needed respite for Gaza’s children, women and men, and a scale-up of humanitarian aid. However, since 18 March, the Gaza Strip is once again facing deadly bombardments.

In addition, since 2 March, humanitarian or commercial supplies have not been allowed in: this is longest complete siege imposed by Israel on Gaza since October 2023. As two million people continue to suffer across the Gaza Strip, it is more critical than ever that health facilities be protected and given the means to offer life-saving care.

For almost a year, and among other activities, Relief International has been providing – thanks to the generous funding of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and our frontline partner Al Awda Community Association – essential support to two of the few remaining partially functional hospitals in Gaza, Al Awda hospital in Nuseirat, central Gaza, and Al Awda hospital near Jabalia, North Gaza.

This vital support has come in the form of: medical and pharmaceutical supplies to enable, among other things, dignified surgeries, baby deliveries, neonatal support, nutritional assistance; logistical backstopping; funds for repairs after bombardments; training for staff; salary payments, and more. Through this, we have been able to help over 16,000 war-affected Palestinians: malnourished children, pregnant women, newborns, many injured, to name only a few.

The current military operations and siege have placed every remaining health care facility in Gaza on life support. After last week’s attack against Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza city, the RI-supported Al-Awda hospital in Jabalia is one of the few remaining partially functional hospitals of Gaza’s northern governorates. A recent forced displacement order covers its location, but health staff continue to provide care against all odds, at great risk for their own lives.

Supplies of fuel, drugs and medical items are being depleted day after day. One quarter of Al Awda hospitals’ medicine stocks have already run out. The recent global funding cuts for humanitarian assistance have also severely affected the two Al Awda hospitals supported by Relief International. Meanwhile, Relief International has five shipments waiting outside of Gaza to be allowed to enter the territory.

Since October 2023, the Israeli military has damaged 33 out of Gaza’s 36 hospitals, according to the United Nations.

Relief International urges States with influence to demand without delay an end to the attacks against health care in Gaza, in line with international humanitarian law provisions, and to advocate for a permanent ceasefire and the entry of aid items into the Gaza Strip.