NORTH GAZA, PALESTINE — It has been 200 days since October 7, 2023, when the humanitarian crisis happened in Gaza, Palestine. For Palestinian Muslims, this holy month is a time to gather with their loved ones. Their wish is not too lofty. They don’t expect to receive Ramadan parcels, let alone to gather with their families. Now, their voices can be heard softly, praying for their fallen relatives.
Amidst the raging conflict, the people of Gaza spend the holy month of Ramadan with little to no food. There are no delicious and nutritious meals that we usually enjoy during suhoor and iftar.
The global body responsible for declaring famine, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), stated on Monday (18/3/2024) that as many as 1.1 million people, or nearly half of Gaza’s population, have experienced famine.
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The food crisis is most severe in North Gaza. Unlike the previous Ramadan, this year the residents there cannot eat suhoor meals or hope to relieve their hunger by breaking their fast after sunset.
According to poverty charity CARE, at least 27 people (23 of them children) have died from malnutrition or dehydration in North Gaza in recent weeks.
Dompet Dhuafa as an organization that cares about humanity is present as a bridge to connect kindness between people. As echoed by Dompet Dhuafa, #RamadanMendekatkan. A momentum of Ramadan 1445 H is certainly an access to kindness and enjoyment for Muslims who will carry out fasting, Dompet Dhuafa ensures that they can suhoor and break the fast properly.
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This year in Ramadan 1445 H, Dompet Dhuafa together with local Palestinian partners distributed Ramadan Parcels to 400 families of Jabalia Camp refugees, North Gaza, Palestine. This program is a collaboration of kindness from all Dompet Dhuafa partners and donors for the Palestinian people.
Dompet Dhuafa strives to bring various programs closer. This is a source of happiness, especially for those who face limitations such as during Ramadan in Palestine.
Alhamdulillah, the Ramadan parcels donated by Dompet Dhuafa have reached our brothers and sisters in North Gaza, Palestine on Tuesday (4/23/2024). The aid in the form of staple foods served directly to the refugees also helped alleviate Palestinian grief.
“Dompet Dhuafa has long been committed to channeling aid to Palestine in various forms. We thank the people of Indonesia who care about the humanitarian issues in Palestine. Alhamdulillah, we have distributed Ramadan Parcels for 400 families to the Palestinians in North Gaza in the form of staple food,” said Arif Rahmadi Haryono as General Manager of Dompet Dhuafa Strategic Alliance.
Happiness was also felt by the volunteers who saw the smiles of the children and the families of the martyrs receiving aid from the people of Indonesia. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text: Anndini Dwi Putri
Photo: Special, Dompet Dhuafa Archives
Editors: Dhika Prabowo, Ronna