All Eyes on Rafah: Verified Aid Organizations in Gaza You Can Support Today
Over the weekend, terrifying images emerged from the southern Gaza town of Rafah, leaving the world transfixed. At least 45 people were killed, including women and children, in an Israeli airstrike on a camp for displaced Palestinians.
Videos from the site in the Tal al-Sultan area showed a large explosion and intense fires on Sunday night. In the background, you could hear the desperate cries of adults and children.
As reported by Al Jazeera, the attack came days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its operation in Rafah.
However, while the world condemns the attack, Israel’s invasion continues. If you’re like us and are frustrated without knowing how to help, we’ve compiled a list of verified organizations you can support.
ActionAid is an organization in Palestine since 2007
ActionAid has been working on the ground in Palestine for nearly two decades. It is an international network dedicated to “building a just, equitable, and sustainable world in solidarity with communities on the frontlines of poverty and injustice.”
Since the beginning of the Israeli invasion of Gaza, the group has been calling for the safe passage of humanitarian aid. ActionAid has set up an emergency response fund to deliver essential assistance as quickly as possible and maintain long-term disaster preparedness worldwide.
CARE has helped more than 250,000 people in Gaza
Since October 2023, CARE has successfully transported 153,000 liters of water into Gaza. The organization has helped 68,000 people through mobile clinics, distributed over 3,000 dignity kits to women and girls, and ensured that at least 11,000 people have the tools and items needed to repair broken tents and shelters.
Anera is another organization helping the needs of Palestinians under fire
Another organization helping displaced Palestinians on the ground is Anera. According to its website, $30 can provide 16 bags to the Gaza Central Blood Bank Society, $80 can provide a hygiene kit to two displaced families, $100 can provide one displaced family with enough food for seven to ten days, and $200 can feed two families.
SOS Children’s Villages works with Palestinian children in displacement camps
Before Israel’s invasion, Gaza had a population of 2.1 million, about 41% of whom were under the age of 15. Now, that population is displaced to the border regions like Rafah, a living hell on earth. Rafah’s inhabitants suffer many hardships. Blockades lead to food shortages, medicine, and other essential supplies, such as fuel. That’s where SOS Children’s Villages comes in. The organization works to get food and clean water to displaced families.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is one of the most experienced organizations in Gaza
MSF is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency medical assistance in conflict zones worldwide. The organization has been providing medical aid in Gaza since the beginning of the invasion, trying to meet immediate emergency needs.
Despite having to close some of its medical units, Project HOPE continues to work
Despite the odds, Project HOPE is doing all it can to help children and families facing catastrophic violence, deadly hunger, and mass displacement in Gaza. The organization has delivered nine tons of medical aid to Gaza, including essential medicines, medical devices, and supplies. It also provides mental health and trauma support to children and families.
Middle East Children’s Alliance has first-hand knowledge of the work in the region
Another nonprofit that has worked in Palestine for years is the Middle East Children’s Alliance. A few weeks ago, the organization stated that it was preparing to purchase medical supplies for the remaining hospitals.
The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund has more than 30 years of experience on the ground
Since the beginning of Israel’s aggression against Palestine, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund has been dedicated to providing medical and humanitarian aid to children in the region. If you choose to donate, that money means access to medical care, psychological support, and essential supplies.
Finally, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has sounded the alarm about the urgency of helping displaced Palestinian children
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is working directly on the ground to help displaced Palestinian children. The organization has focused primarily on the catastrophic impact that the Israeli invasion has had on the youngest children. As UNICEF explained, Rafah is now “a city of children” who do not have sufficient access to water, food, fuel, or medicine.