EN
ID
ACTNews, GAZA STRIP – In January 2021, Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT) began 2021
by spreading happiness to the residents of Gaza Strip who are in need of a
helping hand. This time, aid packages reached orphaned children in Gaza. From January
23 to 28, 2021, dozens of food packages were distributed to Gaza orphans.
"A total of
78 orphans who are Quran students from various areas in the Gaza Strip received
food packages that were distributed in the third half of January 2020. Areas
covered by the food package distribution included Jabalia and Beit Hanoun in
North Gaza, Al-Zawayda and Deir Al- Balah in Central Gaza, and Abasan and Bani
Suheila in Gaza City," reported Said Mukaffiy from the Global Humanity
Response (GHR) – Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT) team, Wednesday (2/3/2021)
The food aid
distribution was a form of care for orphans, one of the most vulnerable social
groups. "Since the blockade that started in 2007, orphaned children have lived
in difficult economic conditions due to financial support that is reduced or
stopped," added Said. He added that the beneficiaries of the food
distribution were orphaned students who lived in difficult economic conditions
due to poverty and lack of employment.
As reported by
the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), more than half
of the population in the Gaza Strip live in poverty as a result of the land,
sea, air blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip. Coupled with military
operations that have occurred several times, this has resulted in a worsening
economic situation in the Gaza Strip and an increase in unemployment.
“The situation
is going to get worse if the blockade continues,” said Mahmoud Elkhafif,
coordinator of the Assistance to the Palestinian People of UNCTAD as reported by Al-Jazeera.
Furthermore, Elkhafif urged that the blockade be lifted immediately so that Gazans can move freely, do business activities, and reconnect with their families outside the Gaza Strip.
Aksi Cepat
Tanggap Partners in Gaza prepare food packages to be distributed to orphaned
Quran students in Gaza. (ACTNews)
The blockade
also has a devastating effect on children. The United Nations Children's Fund
(UNICEF) reports that by the end of 2020, more than one million children have
severely limited access to essential services and at least 500,000 children
have restricted access to safe and clean drinking water.
It is hoped that the aid distribution from ACT can provide a glimmer of happiness for the orphaned students in Gaza amidst difficult situations. "This food package assistance is expected to have a positive impact on the orphans, including the improvement of the orphans’ nutrition and psychological conditions, supporting the economy and industry in Gaza as well as growing a sense of solidarity among the locals,” concluded Said.[]
