Relief impact report - Summer 2024

An update on MCC relief projects

Al-Najd Developmental Forum staff unload emergency food that has just arrived in Gaza for distribution to families in Deir al Balah and surrounding areas.

Palestine and Israel Ukraine

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Disaster response

Delivering hope in Gaza

Your generosity provided vital relief to families caught in conflict

Al-Najd Developmental Forum staff distribute emergency food that has just arrived in Gaza for distribution to families. The shipment arrived on March 19 and was distributed on March 23. *Names withheld for security reasons. — Because of your generosity, families in Gaza are receiving emergency food boxes.* As Gaza is plunged into famine conditions, these food boxes are a lifeline for families on the brink. (Photo courtesy of Al-Najd Developmental Forum/Bashar Al Arja)

For the millions of people living in Gaza, life has become more chaotic and unpredictable.

According to the United Nations, the widespread destruction of homes and neighbourhoods has displaced 1.9 million people. People have fled their homes, often under rocket and artillery fire, taking little more than the clothes on their backs.

Shortly after the conflict began, MCC partner, Al-Najd Developmental Forum (Al-Najd), identified families in dire need of assistance. Donors like you swiftly answered our call for help and within a few weeks, 750 food packages filled with locally purchased necessities were distributed to families in northern and southern Gaza. Your compassionate support also ensured bedding was distributed to 250 displaced families in the north and hygiene kits were distributed to an additional 250 families sheltering in schools in the south.

As the conflict escalated, supplies became scarce in Gaza and prices skyrocketed, and the entire population in Gaza is on the brink of famine. After months of delays, MCC was able to get a truck full of food* from Jordan safely through the Kerem Abu Shalom border crossing into Gaza in mid-March. Food packages were delivered to 550 displaced families (approximately 3,300 people) living in tent camps in Deir al Balah and other locations between Gaza City and Khan Younis. More shipments are planned.

Amidst the darkness and uncertainty that has enveloped life in Gaza, your caring generosity is a beacon of light for families struggling to survive.

*Project supported through MCC’s account at Canadian Foodgrains Bank, with funding from the Government of Canada.

Feeding families in the face of famine

The emergency food was delivered to displaced families living in the Middle Area (between Gaza City and Khan Younis) as it is harder for people in this area to access humanitarian assistance than for those who fled south.

Food packages for families in Gaza have included items purchased and assembled in Jordan including chickpeas, lentils, rice, flour, cooking oil, canned meat and fish.

As of publication, MCC has plans to send a further five shipments of food with the hope of reaching 2,000 total households, approximately 12,000 people.

Cash as a lifeline for basic needs in Gaza

Despite the immense strain on supplies in Gaza, there are some items that can still be purchased by those who have the money. Your generous support has meant that long-time MCC partner, Near East Council of Churches (NECC), can provide cash transfers to families in need. Sent through a secure payment app, these cash transfers allow families to purchase essential supplies from the few shops and pharmacies that are still operational in Gaza.

Comfort in times of crisis

A man* carries the MCC comforter, toothpaste and other assistance he received from MCC partner Zaporizhzhia Baptist Union (ZECB) in May 2023. *The man's name is withheld for security reasons.

“When the war will end is unknown. Our living conditions are difficult. But we will survive. I really want peace, stability, to return home and help others. I have experienced help and support, and know how much it means… My daughter and I were given a large package of food products, which lasted a whole month.”

Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine*

*Names withheld for security reasons

With your generosity fueling them, an MCC partner in Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia Baptist Union, has provided basic necessities and food to 7,000. Here, a man* carries a comforter, toothpaste and other tangible assistance he received in an MCC relief kit.

Click here to learn more about MCC relief initiatives.

In times of crisis, generosity sparks hope.

Stories about Disaster Response

From hurricanes and flooding to conflict and drought, MCC is actively responding to disasters and humanitarian crises around the world. Learn more about our relief projects and give today to help provide assistance and support communities as they rebuild.