John, we wrote to you this week about the ongoing violence that has led to 2 million Palestinians in Gaza suffering catastrophic conditions. I have 3 important updates about the current situation I need to share with you:
1. More than 1.5 million people have been displaced in Gaza. With almost half of residential buildings destroyed, the IRC is extremely concerned about the coming winter. People will be fighting to survive through harsh weather, living in battered buildings, without access to heat or blankets.
2. Gaza is facing an imminent disease outbreak. Gaza's water and sanitation systems and fragile healthcare sector have been battered by airstrikes. 95% of the population has no access to safe water and 64% of primary health facilities have been shut down. It's a race against the clock to provide lifesaving emergency support.
3. The IRC is working to scale up its response with partners. We are focused on immediate lifesaving healthcare and, increasingly, on infection prevention and control. We are also calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
My colleagues at the Egyptian border and in the surrounding region are working to respond to this crisis and provide assistance to those injured and in need.
In moments of crisis like these, I'm constantly inspired by supporters like you, John, who never fail to step up in an emergency. I am so grateful that you are with us.
— Madiha, IRC Emergency Fundraising
To: [email protected]
Date: November 14, 2023
Subject: We're ramping up our response in Gaza.