The Israeli military’s invasion of Gaza in 2023-2024 is the most recent of numerous assaults on Gaza. After Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, Israel set up a land, air and sea blockade, arguing it was necessary in the name of security.
Many Palestinians in Gaza who were already dealing with limited imports became increasingly impoverished as the blockade drastically restricted the availability of basic supplies such as food, fuel and medicine. The economy in Gaza and the livelihoods of Palestinians suffered tremendously.
The Israeli military carried out major assaults in 2008, 2012, 2014 and 2021, killing tens of thousands of civilians and destroying homes and infrastructure. Throughout these years, MCC has supported church and community partners that have helped Palestinians in Gaza survive, rebuild and support their families.
Editor’s Note: No last names are used for the following photos for their security and privacy, unless we have recent permission.
2008-2009: Air and ground assault
A man stands in the middle of his roofless home that was hit by weapons fired from an Israeli drone during a 23-day air and ground assault in 2008. MCC’s partners provided food, water, comforters and relief kits to people who lost their homes. MCC photo/J. Daryl Byler (2009)
A mother drew this depiction of the 2008-2009 war through her connection with MCC’s partner, Culture and Free Thought Association (CFTA), which serves mothers and children in Gaza.
“It is important to recognize that the children of Gaza have experienced an exceptionally high level of violence for a prolonged period of time,” said Heather Lehman, an MCC representative in 2009, former teacher and children’s behavioral specialist. “To live in an environment of fear, chaos and violence can ultimately lead to a sense of hopelessness.” MCC photo J. Daryl Byler (2009)
2010: Building materials lacking
Restrictions on the entry of building materials into Gaza made it very difficult for Palestinians to fix buildings and infrastructure damaged during the 2008-2009 assault. In 2010, MCC urged the governments of the U.S. and Canada to work constructively within the international community to restore the normal flow of goods and people through Gaza-Israel crossings. MCC photo (2010)
2012: Air and sea attack
After an eight-day Israeli military air and sea attack in 2012, citrus farmer Yusuf stands in front of what was left of his home. His 5-year-old daughter was killed when 10 Israeli missiles struck his neighborhood near Gaza City. Yusuf’s wife, four months pregnant, and 8-year-old son Jilal (black shirt) were found alive in the rubble.
MCC sent emergency funds to its partners to purchase mattresses, pillows, blankets and kitchen utensils for 120 families. In addition, MCC Palestine and Israel program joined 43 other organizations calling on world leaders to enforce a ceasefire. MCC photo/Ryan Rodrick Beiler (2012)
2014: 50-day ground invasion
In 2014, the Israeli military launched a ground invasion of Gaza, lasting 50 days. Homes were destroyed, civilians were killed and thousands of people were displaced.
In 2015, Rafi, Odeh, Mahmoud and Ahmed were able to use their MCC school kits in their home, which was repaired by MCC’s partner Al-Najd Developmental Forum. Their 11-member family also received food, comforters, hygiene kits and other supplies. MCC photo/Jesse Bergen (2015)
Volunteers deliver mattresses to families who opened their homes to other Palestinians displaced by a 50-day Israeli military invasion in 2014. MCC provided bedding and other supplies that were distributed through Al-Najd Developmental Forum in late July 2014. Photo courtesy of Al-Najd
2021: 11-day offensive
Sadeen, left, holds debris as she and Jana explore the once usable kitchen in the home in Gaza where Sadeen’s family was living before the bombardment in May 2021. The kitchen area was severely damaged while other parts of the house remained livable.
Three families are staying with Sadeen’s family in the damaged house because their own homes were destroyed. MCC’s partners provided emergency food, hygiene items and trauma support for children. Photo courtesy of Al-Najd Developmental Forum
2023-2024: Losing her home again
Andaleeb Abu Al Qumbuz describes how her house was destroyed in 2008. They rebuilt and added on, only to have it destroyed again in 2014. They rebuilt in 2016 and 2017 only to have the house destroyed a third time in the 2023 Israeli military assault that continues today.
“But we want to return,” she says. “We want to rebuild. We want to stay in our homes, we want to settle. Even if we go back and live in a tent, we are satisfied. We want to return to our place and build our lives from the beginning anew.” Photo courtesy of Al Najd Developmental Forum.
Learn more about MCC's response in Gaza
We share compassion and seek justice in the name of Christ.
Prevention of Genocide Day
Relief, Development and Podcast | Christ (still) under the rubble / Reverend Munther Isaac and Anthony Khair
Listen here- Peace
Current attack on Gaza is one of many
- Conflict
‘We want the world to stand with us and stop the war’
Stand for peace- Conflict
A statement on Gaza
- Conflict
Overcoming obstacles
- Disaster response,
- Conflict, Food
Join MCC in advocacy
Join MCC to encourage the U.S. and Canadian governments:
- To continue to engage in advocacy for a ceasefire and for full humanitarian aid access into Gaza
- To end all weapons transfers to Israel, including all pre-existing permits issued before 2024 in Canada
- To resume U.S. funding for UNRWA (UN Relief and Works Agency)
- To uphold commitments to international law.
MCC has seen some key advocacy success in Canada, including the canceling of new arms permits and the reinstatement of funding for UNWRA.
Advocacy is making a difference. We encourage both governments to work to end the Israeli occupation and take key steps to build an equitable peace in Palestine and Israel.
