Joint statement by several NGOs, including HI, on UNRWA in the context of the war between Israel and Hamas.

As aid organisations, we are deeply concerned and outraged that some of the largest donors have united to suspend funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the main aid provider for millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the region. This comes amid a rapidly worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

HI and partners have provided aid to more than 3,500 people since October 7 in Gaza.

Since October 7 and the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, at least 23,357 Palestinians were killed and about 59,410 reportedly injured in Gaza by continuous bombing by Israeli forces. This devastating toll comes after a massive attack launched by Hamas on October 7, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking hostage 240 Israelis and foreign nationals.

More than 400,000 people with disabilities are encountering tremendous challenges to survive the horror.

Since 7 October and the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, around 23,357 people have been killed and more than 59,410 injured in the relentless bombing of Gaza by Israeli forces (as of 11th of January). This Israeli offensive comes in the wake of a massive attack by Hamas on 7 October, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 240 Israelis and foreign nationals were taken hostage.

These HI aid trucks will distribute 14,084 items to displaced people.

Since 7 October and the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, around 19,667 people have been killed and more than 52,586 injured in the relentless bombing of Gaza by Israeli forces (as at 19 December). This Israeli offensive comes in the wake of a massive attack by Hamas on 7 October, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 240 Israelis and foreign nationals were taken hostage.

HI mourns the tragic loss of its dedicated staff member, Nahla, and her four children in Gaza.

Following the Global Day of Action to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, HI mourns the tragic loss of one of our dedicated team members, Nahla, and her four children on December 16th, 2023, while Nahla sought shelter in the Nuseirat area, in the Middle Area of Gaza.

The exact circumstances surrounding Nahla's loss remain unknown. Their house was reportedly hit by an explosion. 

7 December marked two months since the escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel, highlighting an urgent and devastating humanitarian crisis.

Since October 7 and the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, more than 16,000 people were killed and more than 46,000 were injured in Gaza by continuous bombing by Israeli forces. Israel’s retaliatory response come after a massive attack launched by Hamas on October 7, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking hostage 240 Israelis and foreign nationals.

HI has released on 6 December a new report, “Blast Impacts: Looking into the Consequences of Explosive Weapons in Gaza”, which sheds the light on the devastating and long-term impact of more than 50 days of bombing and shelling in Gaza on the civilian populations. HI is calling for an immediate and long-lasting ceasefire.

Hani is part of HI in Gaza. He tells us his experience of this war.

Since October 7 and the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, more than 15,000 people were killed and more than 36,000 were injured in Gaza by continuous bombing by Israeli forces. Israel’s retaliatory response come after a massive attack launched by Hamas on October 7, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking hostage 240 Israelis and foreign nationals.

Marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, HI releases the report « Always Included: Uninterrupted education for children with disabilities before, during, and after a crisis ».

The world we live in is increasingly marked by multiple and simultaneous shocks, recurring and protracted crises, and the impact of climate change.

Globally, some 72 million children are out of school because of emergencies and protracted crises. Of these, at least 17% are children with disabilities.

Humanity & Inclusion – Handicap International welcomes the extension of the ceasefire between the Hamas and Israel. While we acknowledge this additional temporary respite coming after a four-days ceasefire, we urgently call for a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire to address the pressing needs of people in the Gaza Strip, with a particular focus on those with injuries, disabilities and physical impairments who face unique challenges in accessing crucial medical treatment and assistance. In parallel, all civilian hostages should be immediately released without conditions.