This evening marks the start of Ramadan, a holy month for Muslim populations around the world to honor their religion by fasting and celebrating community.

But for the 90% of Gazans who are displaced, Ramadan celebrations occur in flimsy shelters amid escalating winter weather and with anxiety about the current unsteady ceasefire.

Ongoing violence and food shortages have created an unlivable environment for millions in Gaza this Ramadan season, heightening the threat of famine across the region.

Over 48,000 pregnant women are experiencing emergency and catastrophic food insecurity. People are growing more desperate by the day — turning to scavenged scraps of rotten corn, animal fodder unfit for human consumption, and even leaves.

While millions around the world honor their religious faith by fasting during the daylight hours of Ramadan, we cannot forget those who are forced to go hungry because there is simply no food to eat.

Pregnant women and children are disproportionately affected by malnutrition, increasing risks of preterm births, developmental issues, and stillbirths. UNFPA is doing all we can to reach women and girls in Gaza with lifesaving care, but we depend on donors like you to sustain these efforts.

On this first night of Ramadan, will you consider delivering lifesaving care to those suffering in Gaza and around the world? Your Sadaqah (gift) will make a world of difference to those who need it most this Ramadan season.

We condemn the violence in Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, and hope for a sustained humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages by Hamas, and an end to the violence. The suffering must end and peace must prevail.

Thank you for being a part of this lifesaving work.

Sincerely,

Anu Surendran
Chief Executive Officer
USA for UNFPA