HUMANITARIAN crisis SURVIVAL - Khan Younis, Rafah
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CURRENCY EXCHANGE
- Please note that this campaign in in Norwegian kroner (NOK).
- The exchange rate is approximately 10 kroner = 1 USD
- So, if you would like to donate $50, you need to type in 500kr., for example.
Many thanks for considering a donation!! Mary
WHY?
The situation in Southern Gaza is beyond horrific - the major town Khan Younis, as well as Rafah (the border crossing to/from Egypt).
There is literally NO POWER, NO POTABLE WATER, NO FUEL, little food, and WEAK and SPORADIC INTERNET - you can guess where prices for basic necessities are going.
Funds collected here will be transferred by direct bank transfer.
There are 2 recipients who will administer the funds collected here - both grown up in Gaza, with friends and relatives in situ. They are highly trusted by
a) the international press (links available upon request),
b) Israelis interested in Peace, and
c) therefore, me, the sponsor here.
The economy of Gaza functions on USD cash. Same for the border crossing at Rafah to Cairo.
UPDATE 2 June 2024
There is interminable need. My contacts have methods of getting assistance to people in need. Unfortunately, all life necessities hinge on USD cash - not the most spiritual conveyance, but that's the way it is at the moment.
PLEASE think of people who have no Western sponsor who can pay $5,000 to facilitate crossing the border to Egypt.
UPDATES
17 February 2024 - the situation is such that survivors can, with difficulty, find something edible, no more. Winter is in full swing, and sleeping comfortably (warm) is a challenge.
12 November - one of the recipients of these funds has helped to resettle a family of 15 (!) today.
15 November - many thanks for the food (mostly videos of loading vegetables), I have received.
25 November - bags of food, mostly crucial vegetables and lentils, also toys for kids.
1 December - the situation is more critical than ever, with extra pressure on Khan Younis. The recipient of the funds continues to purchase fuel for the generator for the neighborhood (potable) water pump. And is purchasing fire wood for refugees from northern Gaza.
BACKGROUND
ONE+ MILLION people were ordered to evacuate southwards from Northern Gaza on 13 October 2023.
Northern Gaza includes Gaza City which is currently being obliterated (where the major hospitals are located). The Baptist hospital was hit on 17 October 2023. Jabaliya and other areas of north Gaza obliterated 1-3 November 2023. Al Shifa hit hard 10 November. Remaining population ordered south 8 November (including cripples and hospital patients).
The Rafah border crossing is currently charging $5,000 per person, a (monopoly) travel agency called Hala (February 2024).
Convoys of trucks full of humanitarian supplies (medical, food and winter clothes, etc.) are either prevented from entering Gaza or ransacked.
A hospital ship anchors and works off the coast of El Arish (Egypt for a few weeks occasionally). Most hospitals on the ground are obliterated or lacking elementary supplies. Ambulances are routinely hit, and have difficulty accomplishing their missions.
A tiny bit of food (20 truck loads) was allowed to cross from Egypt to Gaza on 21 October, and during the brief cease fire in late November - this food is for sale, i.e. it will not be distributed for free to the needy. Another bit (80? truck loads) was allowed in 1 November 2023. The food allowed in before Christmas is equivalent to less than ONE DAY's need. People are dehydrated or drinking polluted water.
THE FOOD SITUATION IS BEYOND DIRE (2 January 2024).
NGOs are requesting donations, but there are no NGOs currently on the ground in Gaza who are able to accomplish anything at all - and many of their local employees are no longer alive.
Loyalty of the Palestinian population, from a Western medic, to anyone who can/did help them:
There are few Westerners in Gaza (some crossed at Rafah, 1 November), ZERO international aid.
Thankfully, international popular sympathy and support is increasing since November.
CASH IS SURVIVAL at the moment.
FUNDS
I, Mary Jack, in Norway, will receive the funds from GoFundMe (because GoFundMe does not support Palestine). I will then transfer to a person (one of the 2 mentioned above) who can distribute cash and/or goods in Gaza.
Until 1 April 2024, when the minibanks (ATMs) were still functioning, there was a person in situ, who is now out. The first distribution he received from me (personal funds, 21 Oct) was used for fuel for the neighborhood generator to pump up potable water. This lasted for a week. Another distribution, same use, 28 October, also 2 and 9 November. He is also giving to economically challenged acquaintances/neighbors (you can imagine how many single mothers are needy) - finding mattresses and blankets, purchasing and donating fire wood for cooking in the street. The apartment building beside his was obliterated 24 Oct 2023. His own apartment was invaded and ransacked January 2024.
BIG TIME APPRECIATION TO YOU FOR READING THIS!
Organizer
Mary Jack
Organizer
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