Kinder USA is deeply concerned by the high number of innocent civilians killed in the recent Israeli military incursion.  Since the beginning of the violence carrying over five days thus far, over 120 people have been killed in Gaza, including 39 children. Human rights groups and medical officials indicated that more than a third of the victims were women and children. “Once again, children are bearing the brunt of this crisis while the world remains silent,” said Dr. Laila Al-Marayati, Chairperson of Kinder USA.  Of the 1.5 million people in Gaza, over half are children. (Read the latest report on Gaza from an alliance of NGO's working in the region pdf).

Hospitals are struggling with more than 370 children injured, whose care is exasperated further by a near total blockade on Gaza since June 2007 resulting in “85 essential drugs” for surgical procedures at zero level. Essential services, including water and sanitation, are close to breakdown and homes destroyed in the latest incursion will not be repaired as there are no building supplies ‘allowed’ into Gaza. Because of the combined lack of electricity, fuel and spare parts the water supply is moving towards rapid deterioration with current clean water supplies only sporadically available for much of the population.

Reports from the World Health Organization indicate that 30% of children under 5 suffer from stunted growth which is most likely attributed to malnutrition. Over 80% of the population are reported to be food insecure (cannot afford a balanced meal) compared to 63% in 2006.  Out of 9000 commodities (including food items) that were entering Gaza over two years ago, only 20 are ‘permitted’ today further exasperating an already catastrophic situation. 

Kinder USA, working in conjunction with our local partners Ard El Insan and Al Huda doing what we can to bring food to the children and their families during a very difficult time.  We applaud our partners for continuing their work under the most severe of conditions.  Al Huda is distributing to needy families fresh baked breads filled with  spinach, cheese and zater and reports that more and more people are coming to them for food.  

Ard El Inshan (AEI) is preparing 14,000 nutritional meals over a 3 month period for malnourished children aged 6-59 months.  In addition, Kinder USA is providing vouchers for transport to and from AEI centers where 7000 meals are prepared for mothers to take home to their families.  For both projects we are work closely with local farmers using only locally produced goods, inclusive of vegetables, dairy products, eggs, and chicken meat.   

The situation in Gaza is dire.  While some humanitarian organizations are able to provide services, they are unable to meet the needs of the overwhelming majority of the population.  Kinder USA is able to send your generous donations to local Palestinian organizations (with whom we have worked for several years) who use the funds to provide food to those most in need.   

The humanitarian conditions will continue spiraling downward unless the crossings are open and the free flow of goods and medicines in and out of Gaza are resumed.  Gaza’s children are terrified and are paying the highest price in this conflict.  We are working with our partners to develop a contingency plan for the children, whose fear remains immeasurable.  We urge you support our efforts and those of all groups trying to help sustain the Palestinian people during this crisis.   “All parties must put an end to the violence against civilians and to abide by their responsibility under international humanitarian law.  How much more can these children endure?” Dr. Laila Al-Marayati.  

Please join others bringing food to the children in Gaza by making an online donation today. 

The Ongoing Siege in Gaza

The continued blockade of fuel into Gaza that is  crippling the population and has paralyzed hospitals, bakeries, water, and daily life with massive power outages.  The ongoing blockade has plunged Gaza into darkness and is jeopardizing the lives of over 860,000 children, women, and men.  The opening of the crossing with Egypt offered some Gazan’s one of the first opportunities for breathing space in months, and for some a lifetime.  There is no end in sight with families are living at subsistent levels further aggravated by the Israeli Supreme Court rejection of human rights group challenges to the sanctions giving a green light for further strangulation of the population.   

Reporting from the World Health Organization indicate that 72% of the children and 42% of pregnant women suffer from anemia while 30% of children under 5 suffer from stunted growth which is most likely attributed to malnutrition. Over 80% of the population are reported to be food insecure (cannot afford a balanced meal) compared to 63% in 2006.  Out of 9000 commodities (including food items) that were entering Gaza over two years ago, only 20 are ‘permitted’ today further exasperating an already catastrophic situation. 50 trucks a day are now allowed to enter Gaza compared to 200/300 per day.  Malnutrition, needless to say, is increasing.   The situation will certainly continue to deteriorate with Gaza experiencing a 24% electricity deficit coupled with rolling blackouts leaving children in the dark as long as 12 hours per day.  Hospitals have reduced their services to only urgent care patients as their fuel supplies run dangerously low. Returning from Gaza, a member of the European Parliament stated, ". . .it is the civilians who suffer from the siege. Seeing the tiny premature babies in their incubators in Shifa Hospital brought that message home. Israel has been cutting electricity supplies to Gaza. If the generator this hospital was now dependent on was to break down, the 30 babies would die within half an hour."