Blacked Out

Power shortages and blackouts are common in Gaza, where outages can last for up to 12 hours a day. Without electricity, Gazans are effectively prohibited from carrying out basic functions at school, at home and at work. Shrouded in darkness, the power outages are a constant reminder of the smothering effect that the occupation has on daily life in the Strip. It is no surprise that many feel as if Gaza has been completely silenced as a result.

During the 2014 assault, the only electrical power plant within the territory was damaged almost beyond hope of repair. The disruption shook Gaza’s infrastructure to the core, with a resulting effect on businesses, homes and health services within the area. Factories producing fresh bread had to cut down production and access to the communal water tank was necessarily restricted, depleting an already precarious water supply. What electricity was left was redirected to Gaza’s largest hospital, Al Shifaa, which is struggling to stay open due to unpredictable power outages.

Thousands of families have resorted to using oil lightingandopen-flame candles as alternatives. Some have relied on smaller, more precarious generators to power their everyday needs. These lighting methods can often cause accidents, many of which have been fatal. Incidents resulting from electricity failures have claimed the lives of 26 people,almost all of which have been children. At present, the need to install safe and sustainable electrical systems is growing as families continue to risk their safety to light the path ahead.

Interpal aims to prevent further disaster by installing LED lighting systems in the Gaza Strip. We hope to provide light to around 600 of the neediest Gazan families, as well as to alleviate the suffering of hospital patients and elderly civilians, whose situation is exacerbated by the ongoing electrical failures in the Strip.

Editorial: October

- Ibrahim Hewitt, Chairman of the Trustees

As news that the latest attempt to break the illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip has, once again, been impeded by the might of the Israeli military, it is important to remember that the spirit of these women, and the Palestinians who eagerly awaited their arrival remains unbroken. In the spirit of the Women’s Flotilla then, we are reminded of the importance of international efforts of solidarity with the Palestinian people in the face of their prolonged plight. We can carry this collective spirit forward in order to honour the efforts of the Freedom Flotilla.

The past month has been filled with activities of celebration, sombre remembrance and the reappearance of the Palestinian situation on the international stage. Interpal’s Qurbani campaign united Muslims from around the world to feed the needy and share our blessings with those who need it most. September also marked the 34^th anniversary of the massacre of Palestinian refugees at Sabra and Shatila, condemned as an act of genocide by the United Nations but one which has largely been forgotten by the international community. Developments at the United Nations have dominated the news over the past month, with the U.N. General Summit taking place in New York. The appointment of António Guterres as the successor to Ban-Ki-Moon is emblematic of public concern over the ongoing refugee crisis gripping the Middle East. Within this, however, it should not be forgotten that the displacement of Palestinians from their homeland is now the longest-running refugee crisis in the world. With the attention of world leaders focused mainly on those fleeing the violence in Syria, it is equally important to remember those Palestinians displaced in 1948 who have been uprooted once again.

As the nights draw in and the weather turns, we are focusing our attention to those who struggle throughout the long, dark winter months. Looking forward, the concern is always present that another emergency will unfold, leaving those already struggling unprepared and without hope of protection. Our #ChanceToLive medical aid fund prepares for any eventuality in order to be ready to distribute aid on the ground should such a catastrophe occur. In the meantime, we extend our thanks to you for your continued support and generosity, without which, our mission to help Palestinians in need would not be possible.

Editorial: November

- Ibrahim Hewitt, Chairman of the Trustees

As the siege of Gaza enters its 10^th year, the blockade looks to only grow tighter. Frequently referred to as the ‘largest open air prison’ on Earth, Gaza’s population is reaching crisis levels. The Strip’s two millionth resident, Walid Shaath, born just last month now faces a harsh winter ahead.

The birth of baby Walid calls to attention the growing concern as to what a lack of resources and opportunities will engender in an already frustrated population. This milestone should encourage us to revitalise our efforts to ensure that baby Walid can pursue a future free from oppression and occupation.

Recently we marked a milestone of our own. For 22 years you have helped us in our mission to help Palestinians in need. Whilst it is dispiriting that the situation on the ground has lasted this long, it is important to keep our commitment to the cause. I personally wish to thank you all for your support over the years and hope that you will continue to help us for as long as our work is needed.

Editorial: December 

- Ibrahim Hewitt, Chairman of the Trustees

The past month has been marked by cataclysmic tremors in world politics, from the news that Donald Trump will become the 45^th President of the United States of America to the ruling in November that legitimises settlements build on private Palestinian land in the West Bank.  These watershed moments, though stemming from different contexts and significant in their own respective ways, herald a difficult new era for the international solidarity movement.

On the 29^th November the United Nations commemorated International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People; an annual affirmation of the organisation’s commitment to pursuing a lasting peace and justice in the region. In his speech to the assembly, Jan Eliasson, the Deputy Secretary General commended the efforts of the global solidarity movement in reaching historic milestones for the movement, such as the formal recognition of Palestine as an Observer State in 2012. However, Eliasson also acknowledged that the past decade has been characterised by symbols of solidarity rather than lasting measures to pursue peace.

As events on the world stage unfold, unfortunately the reality on the ground for Palestinian refugees remains woefully unchanged. With winter approaching, the situation is uncertain.  Our fundraising team visited the Lebanese refugee camps in November to speak to staff from the Lebanon Field Office and see the conditions of the camps for themselves. You can read more about their trip here.    

The winter stretches ahead of us, as the temperature drops and the nights draw in, it can be easy to forget about those for whom winter is a time of harshness, not comfort. This year, we aim to deliver aid to over 5000 Palestinian families, as well as to Syrian refugees displaced by the ongoing crisis. Only with your help can we equip those in need with vital supplies to see them through the winter. As we look ahead to 2017, let’s come together #ForPalestine and keep them out of the cold.

WINTER IN PALESTINE: A Swedish Perspective

- Hanan (Interpal A/W 2016 Intern)

When you think of ‘winter’, you are probably imaginingSweden. Snow, ice, reindeer, we have them all. During winter-time the temperature falls below zero, encasing the land in a thick blanket of snow that doesn’t melt for months. You might think that by our standards, the Middle Eastern winter in Palestine isn’t so much of a big deal. How wrong you’d be…

The big difference is that we have lots of warm clothes, cosy, heated houses and enough food to keep us snug and comfortable for the whole season. The Palestinians, despite it rarely snowing, face months of relentless rainandwind, with inadequate shelter and protection due to ramshackle housing and poor electrical facilities.

Despite the freezing temperatures in Sweden, we rarely ever feel cold. However, for the Palestinians, the drop in temperature has a severe impact, resulting in disease epidemics,poor sanitation anddisruption to healthcare and educational services. Back home in Sweden, we have buses to take us safely to schoolandploughs to clear the roads so that daily life can continue as normal despite the severity of the weather. The people of Palestine however, especially in Gaza, face environmental hazards and are particularly prone tocatastrophic flooding. Left unprotected from these seasonal risks, Palestinians are forced to always consider what their next step will be. The most we think about in Sweden is whether our boots will be slightly damp from the snow.

The2014 assault on Gaza left thousands of buildings damaged and rendered houses unliveable. During the winter months, conditions deteriorate until people are living precarious existences in the midst of poverty. I cannot imagine a winter exposed to the elements in this way. The thought of it makes me shiver.

This winter, Interpal are asking that we come together for Palestine to bring people #OutOfTheCold. You can donate to our Winter Aid appeal by calling us on 0208 961 9993, visiting our website www.interpal.orgor clicking the link on our Facebook page. Our hands might be cold but our hearts will surely be warm if we come together to help Palestinians in need.

Supporting Children with Special Needs in Gaza City

We are pleased to offer our support to the Sanabel School in Gaza City to develop services for children with mental disabilities. Our project supports psychological, rehabilitative and integrated educational activities for children in Gaza City, helping this generation to become future leaders.

Students who suffer from the loss of communication with teachers, with learning difficulties and slow learning, little and medium intellectual disabilities, language delay and autistic spectrum disorders, benefit from the educational resources room. 

#AgainstTheOdds Jenin Murad’s family in Gaza have found a surprising way of making resistance taste unexpectedly sweet…

Statement on Gaza Airstrikes: 06/02/2017

As news reaches us of the recent airstrikes across Gaza our thoughts are with those who are reported injured in the Strip.

The increase in tensions is symptomatic of the climate of anxiety that contributes to immense psychological pressure on families living in the region. Gaza has not yet recovered from the destruction of 2014, and incidents of escalation attract short-term media attention but do not always account from the long-term structural problems witnessed by those working on the ground.

Our team will be keeping an eye on the humanitarian situation and responding immediately should the airstrikes continue.

In situations such as these, we are all the more appreciative of our field staff, who work tirelessly in this climate of uncertainty and danger. We keep them in our thoughts at this time.

Developing Educational Services for Children at the Sanabel School

- Dana, Interpal Gaza Field Office 

Children with disabilities are one of the most marginalised and excluded groups in societies the world over. They are effectively barred from realising their right to healthcare and even education. Estimates suggest that there are at least 93 million children with disabilities in the world. Their disabilities also place them at a higher risk of physical abuse, and often exclude them from receiving adequate nutrition and humanitarian assistance in emergencies. They are often likely to be among the poorest members of the population. Girls with disabilities face a double disadvantage. They are not only subject to societal stigma but are also constrained by traditional gender roles and cultural barriers.

Palestine has a high proportion of people with disabilities compared to its population rate. Around 113,000 individuals suffer from at least one disability, which constitutes 2.7% of the population in Palestine. 75,000 of these people reside in the West Bank and around 38,000 live in the Gaza Strip.

Education is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of discrimination and poverty that children with disabilities often face, however, access to school for children with disabilities is often limited by a lack of understanding about their needs, unsuitable school environment and poor learning resources and facilities. 37.6% of all disabled individuals aged 15 years and above in Palestine have never been enrolled in a school.

Although roughly half of the schools in Palestine have appropriate toilets and ramps for student with motor disabilities, there are other conditions that require special adaptations that are not yet readily available in schools. These include special transportation and classroom accessibility.

TheSanabel School for Special Education, which is located in the middle of Gaza City, educates students with special educational needs in a way that addresses their individual requirements. However, strain on the sector has left the school struggling in a time of great need.

Interpal provides the school with educational assets, learning resources and employee salaries but we need your help to ensure that these children are no longer left behind.

To donate, call 0208 961 9993 and quote “SANABEL SCHOOL” or visit our website www.interpal.org.

#HeatingHomes in Southern Lebanon

On 25th January 2017 our team in the Lebanon Field Office visited the areas of ChebaaandHibariyeh in Southern Lebanon which are home to Palestinian refugees as well as recent arrivals from across the Syrian border. 

With the Civil War raging in Syria less than 10 miles away, these areas are amongst the hardest hit by poverty, resource drain andovercrowding. We distributed fuel to enable those most vulnerable to be able to heat their houses and cook warm meals during the freezing Lebanese winter. With your help, we have already helped over 200 families in Lebanese refugee camps this winter.

 No-one should ever have to choose between keeping their newborn baby safe and warm or feeding their family. With your help, we can help to alleviate fuel poverty and keep refugees safe and warm this winter. 

To donate, call 0208 961 9993 or click the ‘Donate’ button at the top of our page. 

In Bradford? Pay us a visit at #UBURefreshers! 

Come down to Student Central to talk to our local branch officers about the humanitarian work we do and how you can get involved.

Visit UBU’sRefreshers Fayre website for a floor plan and more details.