Although there is a cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, the urban violence, the guerrilla warfare spreading in several Israeli cities, is still worrisome. It has been hard for local NGOs to keep implementing projects and activities with so many clashes and accidents.

“We are being put to the test. Last week, we had to close AVSI’s office in East Jerusalem,” confirms Clementelli. “At this stage, like many other NGOs in the region, we have suspended all movements between Jerusalem and the West Bank that would have forced us to pass through checkpoints and put us at risk. We are creating a work plan to accompany, through our local partners, our beneficiaries in the West Bank and ensure the continuity of the projects.” More Information 

The health sector in Gaza was already under intolerable pressure because of Covid-19. Then came the latest bombardments. Hear from Raja, MedGlobal Country Director, and Alaa, MedGlobal Program Manager, in this op-ed for The Guardian on the challenges Gaza's health system faces as the region is left to pick up the pieces of what has been lost. More Information 

As violent bombings continue in Gaza, Humanity & Inclusion teams (working Gaza since 1996) are providing psychological support, identifying injured civilians in need of rehabilitation, and preparing virus prevention for displaced people. "People have been wounded," explains Laurent Palustran, Humanity & Inclusion Country Manager in Gaza. "These people have been operated on quickly, but there will be both short- and long-term consequences from their injuries, particularly for those who will be in situations of disability. Meanwhile, people come to seek shelter, but they don't have the materials to protect themselves against COVID-19. People don't wear masks and they are essentially on top of each other. There is a very high risk." On the night of May 17, bombings fell next to the Humanity & Inclusion offices and guesthouses. Staff was OK. More Information 

Mercy-USA for Aid and Development is working with our long-time partner, The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to provide emergency food and essential shelter necessities such as blankets, mattresses, mats, kitchen sets, and nylon/tarpaulin sheeting. They are also distributing vitally important hygiene supplies like soap, towels, shampoo, baby wipes, and diapers to Palestinians in Gaza who are suffering in this latest escalation of violence on children and their families. More Information 

Through a groundbreaking partnership with Facebook, CARE Country Offices have begun to understand what kind of messaging works best to increase COVID prevention behaviors and vaccine acceptance. More Information