Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Is Islamic Relief (IR) well established in Gaza?
Islamic Relief has been working in Palestine since 1994, providing food, medical aid, small business loans and orphan sponsorships. We also provide specialist care for deaf children and those traumatised by the ongoing conflict. Is IR allowed to work in Gaza amid the crisis?
IR is currently the largest UK-based aid agency in Gaza. Our emergency distributions began within six hours of the crisis. There are no restrictions or curfews placed specifically on the humanitarian activities of Islamic Relief in Gaza. How do you work such a dangerous environment?
The situation in Gaza is extremely volatile and our staff are risking their lives to ensure aid reaches civilians. Whenever an opportunity arises, such as the three-hour daily “humanitarian corridor,” our staff do all they can to reach as many people as possible and provide medical aid to hospitals. Sometimes it is too dangerous to go out of the office so our Gaza team spend that time purchasing supplies and planning future distributions. If the borders are sealed, how do you get aid into Gaza?
The United Nation’s World Health Organisation coordinates aid shipments into Gaza on behalf of all aid agencies and we work closely with them to ensure our supplies are delivered. We also have an office in the West Bank that helps with logistics and a warehouse of aid supplies within Gaza. Some of our aid comes in whenever the Rafah border crossing with Egypt opens – we recently had 3 ambulances enter this way and 19 truckloads are still waiting to enter. We also purchase supplies in the local Gaza markets whenever available. Is IR working with other aid agencies in Gaza?
Yes, we work in close coordination with other well respected agencies such as the United Nations to ensure that aid and services reach the affected people. Before the current crisis for example, we worked with the UN to renovate the main Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. Does IR work with any armed or political groups?
No, IR is an apolitical, non-profit, humanitarian organisation with no affiliations to any political parties or other groups. The goal of Islamic Relief is to alleviate the poverty and suffering of the world’s poorest people. How can you ensure my donation will help the people of Gaza?
IR is legally bound to honour the wishes of our donors, so any donation to the Gaza appeal will only be used for this purpose. Our reputation as a trustworthy and efficient organisation is well-known to the UK and other governments, as well as organisations and individuals who have worked with us over the past 25 years. |