The view from the home of Waleed (name changed), a Mercy Corps team member in Northern Gaza. "The life that once thrived there has been reduced to nothing but dried lifeless plants."
Dear friend,
The past year has seen unprecedented volatility and immense suffering across the Middle East. One year since the horrific Hamas attack on Israel, which killed more than 1,100 people, the resulting war has now cost tens of thousands of Palestinian lives, destroyed generations of families and communities, and laid waste to the entire Gaza Strip.
More than 42,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 100,000 more injured after a year of widespread and systematic bombardment, forced displacement, and man-made famine. Yet the worst could still be ahead of us: Peace remains elusive as Palestinians continue to die daily from bombs, bullets, starvation, and disease while Israelis also mourn their lost loved ones and wait for the return of those who continue to be held hostage.
Gaza is unrecognizable and unlivable today, with virtually no life-sustaining infrastructure remaining. More than two million people are trying to survive in inhumane conditions, displaced multiple times, and unable to find clean water or food to sustain themselves. Daily life is a struggle for existence.
Several Mercy Corps team members are among the more than 2 million people inside Gaza who have endured so much through the past year, and they’ve provided us with heart-wrenching glimpses into everyday life during this war. Below are some of their stories.
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"Before October 7, our yard wasn’t just soil — it was our haven. We used to grow everything there. It was a lush, thriving space with orange, lemon, guava, apple, olive, peach, grape, and fig trees, and much more. That small patch of earth meant everything to us. But now, that land is gone. The life that once thrived there has been reduced to nothing but dried lifeless plants."
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WALEED (name changed)
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"People are worn out from the constant need to flee, each time struggling to find a new place to settle. Whenever they think they’ve found safety, they are forced to move once more."
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LOJAIN (name changed)
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"I have 3 children under the age of 18 and one who is 18. The youngest is 7 years old. I’m always looking for opportunities for them to learn, but there are no nearby initiatives, and there aren't any resources available to support them, whether it's materials, internet, or electricity."
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AREEJ (name changed)
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Civilians across the Middle East continue to face tremendous suffering as the fighting spreads, safe humanitarian zones shrink, aid workers face unrelenting dangers, and humanitarian needs become increasingly dire.
With your support, Mercy Corps teams and partners responded by delivering 8,472 food baskets, 5,004 hygiene kits, 1,379 shelter kits, and providing psychosocial support to 4,422 individuals in Gaza. To date, Mercy Corps has reached over 180,000 people with emergency food and non-food items since October 2023.
Through it all, you — our incredible supporters — continue to be the backbone of our mission as team members on the ground work to deliver critical humanitarian aid to families in the region and prevent the loss of more lives. As we reflect on the past year of conflict in Gaza and Israel, will you consider making a first-time gift to support families still facing some of the most difficult hardships across the globe?
Sincerely,
The Mercy Corps team
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