Palestinians living under Israeli occupation continue to face a human dignity crisis, characterized by the erosion of livelihoods, the continued denial of basic human rights and a forced dependency on international aid that affects all aspects of their daily life.

The blockade, now in its third year, bans the movement of goods in and out of Gaza, as well as the people, many of whom are in need of medical treatment.  With the arrival of winter, families – most comprised of young children - who had their homes damaged or destroyed during the 27 December – 18 January military offensive must now endure the bitter cold either in tents or in their homes without windows, and in some instances living in makeshift tin shelters.  Over 20,000 people remain homeless.  Ordinary people bear the brunt of the blockade but primarily it is the children, 52.5% of the population and always the most vulnerable, whose fragile little bodies cannot endure the freezing temperatures.

In the whole of Gaza today, there are no sources of uncontaminated water leaving infants at risk of nitrate poisoning and hundreds of thousands of people forced to buy  expensive water trucked in privately;  still others must rely on aid agencies to provide assistance.  Ninety per cent of the population experiences daily power cuts that are further exacerbated by the ban on generators across the border.  Ten per cent of the population has no power at all. .

John Ging, director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency said recently, “We have run out of words to describe how bad it is here. [. . .] 750,000 children susceptible to an environment where things are moving rapidly in the wrong direction, where injustice is bewildering, and every day worse.”

Kinder USA is still working in Gaza doing what we can to care for the innocent children and their families.  Our projects continue, yet they are a drop in the sea of need. The legacy of the blockade and the destruction and loss of life will take generations to repair.  No child should have to endure this living hell.

Former President Jimmy Carter said it best, “The cries of homeless and freezing people demand immediate relief. This is a time for bold action, [. . .], reconciliation and peace.”

We close another year humbled by the generosity of our donors who join us in working to bring change to the most vulnerable: the children. Under human rights law all people have the right to an adequate standard of living and the highest attainable standard of health.  Please consider a year end donation to help Kinder USA reach more children and offer the hope they need to sustain themselves through another year of hardship.