Gaza Humanitarian Emergency Response

A Critical Window of Hope in Gaza

While your support has been lifesaving and vital, it’s difficult to fully grasp the scale of the need still facing the people of Gaza and the West Bank. The ceasefire in Gaza offers a fragile moment of hope, creating a rare opportunity to reach those in desperate need. Now that humanitarian access has been restored, we must act quickly to support those still facing unimaginable hardship. Our partners at Lutheran World Federation Jerusalem are ready to move immediately to provide immediate treatment for sick and injured patients, help rehabilitate the healthcare system in Gaza, provide trauma support, and distribute winter clothes, food parcels, blankets, and hygiene kits.

If you’re able, please consider making a gift at this critical window to help provide vital aid by clicking here or calling 1-800-661-2597. If you’d like to share this message with your congregation, please use the resources provided below.

We ask you and your congregation to continue praying for those in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel who are affected by the violence, and for a just peace that can restore hope to the region. 

Thank you for your generosity and your commitment to the people of Gaza.

Resources
Ongoing Efforts in Gaza and the West Bank

CLWR and our partners have been working tirelessly since October 2023 to provide essential support to those affected by the conflict in Gaza. While the war has caused unimaginable suffering, your generous response has made a real difference, helping thousands of families survive and make it through the darkest days. As we move into the next phase of this crisis, your continued partnership will be critical in supporting the rebuilding efforts of many families in Gaza and the West Bank.

In Gaza, at least 45,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 100,000 injured since the onset of the conflict,. Tragically, 59% of the victims are women, children, and the elderly. The healthcare system has been devastated, and 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.2 million has been displaced. With millions displaced, access to clean water and sanitation is a critical challenge, particularly in overcrowded shelters. Because of your support, our partner, DanChurchAid/Norwegian Church Aid, has been working tirelessly to repair and maintain essential water and sanitation infrastructure, ensuring that thousands of families have access to clean water and preventing the spread of deadly diseases.

We’ve also provided emergency cash assistance to families fleeing the violence, enabling them to buy food and meet other urgent needs in the cities they’ve sought refuge in. Through Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Jerusalem, we’ve supported the shipment of critical medical supplies into Gaza and the evacuation of seriously injured patients.

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, which has seen escalating violence, our partners at LWF Jerusalem have been offering mental health services to students attending vocational training centers. We've also provided tuition assistance to Palestinian youth whose education was disrupted by the war.

As of January 2025, our response has entered a new phase, expanding to provide safe water access for drinking and cooking through daily water trucking and the distribution of water tanks. Additionally, we are educating communities about the dangers of unexploded bombs and landmines, as well as offering emergency preparedness training.

Children living in a shelter use sanitation
facilities repaired and maintained by CLWR partners.
(Photo: DanChurchAid/NorwegianChurchAid) 
CLWR partners working to repair crucial water and
sanitation infrastructure damaged during the conflict.
(Photo: DanChurchAid/NorwegianChurchAid)

Click here to download a PDF version of this update.