Four things you can do to support humanitarian efforts during the Israel-Gaza Conflict 

Throughout history we have seen the devastating impact of wars across the world. As well as causing immense human suffering, conflict sets us back on all the Global Goals. From food insecurity and environmental damage, to the loss of livelihoods, homes, education, medical care and lives – innocent people are the ones who pay the highest price.  

As the crisis in Gaza escalates day on day, the death toll is mounting and the tragic suffering experienced by civilians is only growing. In an attempt to prevent total human catastrophe, the United Nations Secretary General has called repeatedly for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief.

 The current situation has left many of us feeling helpless. But there are actions we can take to support humanitarian efforts in the region. Here are four things  you can do:

PUSH FOR PEACE

Write to your elected representatives urging them to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief. Demand their support to build international efforts for a negotiated peace settlement in the region.

DONATE AND SUPPORT

Show your support for global organisations working in the region. Learn about their work and why what they do is so important. If you can, donate to those working to ease humanitarian suffering and get people the urgent help they need: 

• UNRWA
• World Food Programme
• Save the Children
• Doctors Without Borders
• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies 

LEARN

Educating ourselves on the history and context of the current crisis is vital so that we can better understand what is happening now. Take a look at a variety of literature. This timeline is a great place to start to understand the conflict and explore the important events leading up to today’s situation. 

Listen to the voices of people with different perspectives. Hear their stories. To get you started, here are two episodes from The Rest Is Politics – a podcast for international listeners about current affairs around the world: 

• Israel, Invasion and the Trap Laid By Hamas – hosts Alastair and Rory are joined by Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari
• Palestine, Gaza, and Israel – hosts Alastair and Rory are joined by Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian Ambassador to the UK

REFLECT

With so much information available, vastly differing opinions, and a huge rise in fake news and misinformation on social media, reflection is more important than ever. 

• Take a moment to pause and reflect before sharing. 
• Absorb and analyse what you read, watch and hear.
• Verify what the source is – question who made it, when and why it was published