Progress back in Gaza City is going slowly for Muhammad and his family. While their home was bombed, they’ve managed to cover part of the shell with hardened nylon shade material to protect them to some degree from Gaza’s winter weather. While far from a permanent solution, this improvement has brought at least a little comfort to the family as they navigate incredibly challenging circumstances.
Muhammad is back to using an E-sim (from the lovely people at Nomad) so has slightly better internet connection now but getting connected is still difficult, and affects how often he can send updates, whether he can upload videos, and, most importantly, whether he can reach out to the people who are regularly donating to help his family.
Despite having a poor connection, Muhammad sent over before and after photos of his house. While their home is a ruin, the family remain resilient.
The Current State of Gaza
As Muhammad’s family continues their efforts, the broader situation in Gaza remains dire. The precarious ceasefire is strained, as shown by the recent killing of three Palestinians in the Zeitoun neighborhood in northern Gaza City in early February.
Israel’s extensive bombardment has left Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins. With over 90% of homes and 88% of schools damaged or destroyed, the United Nations estimates that reconstruction will cost a staggering $53 billion. This estimate doesn’t account for vital infrastructure like roads, hospitals, and water treatment facilities, which have also suffered severe damage. Clearing rubble alone could cost $1.2 billion, a sum that equates to more than half of Gaza’s GDP in 2022.
Adding to these challenges is the ongoing man-made humanitarian crisis. Since the ceasefire agreement, only 861 out of the promised 1,200 aid trucks have been allowed into northern Gaza. The Beit Hanoun crossing remains closed due to road damage from Israeli airstrikes, further complicating relief efforts. The situation is critical, with fuel and basic supplies urgently needed to support the affected population. The shortage of aid trucks—falling deliberately short of the agreed 300 per day—has left many families, including Muhammad’s, struggling to survive.
What It Will Take to Rebuild Gaza
Rebuilding Gaza is projected to be one of the most significant reconstruction efforts in modern history, but the obstacles are immense. International donors have previously pledged billions for reconstruction, but political hurdles and Israel’s restrictions on essential construction materials have stalled progress. The Israeli blockade on materials like steel and cement continues to hamper efforts to restore even basic infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s people face an uphill battle to rebuild their lives. Unemployment has soared to 90%, and children have lost over 16 months of education, as well as parents, family members, and friends. The World Health Organization reports widespread health issues, including malnutrition and acute respiratory infections, further compounding the genocide and ethnic cleansing being suffered by Palestinians.
How You Can Help
Muhammad and his family are incredibly grateful for the support they have received so far. Every donation has brought them a step closer to rebuilding their lives. Here’s how you can continue to make a difference:
- Contribute to the fundraiser: Your donations on Chuffed.org provide essential resources for Muhammad’s family and others in need.
- Share their story: Spreading awareness can inspire others to donate and take action.
- Advocate for aid: Highlighting the ongoing crisis in Gaza can pressure decision-makers to prioritize humanitarian support.
- Help Palestinians get back in touch with the outside world, with Connecting Gaza on Instagram.
The journey to rebuild Gaza will be long and challenging, but with your continued support, families like Muhammad’s can start to reclaim their lives. Thank you for standing in solidarity with Gaza during these trying times.
Support a Gaza Family in Crisis 