Thousands of civilians have been killed in Israel and Gaza after a week and a half of war in the Middle East. The war erupted on Oct. 7 after Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack in Israel. That day, Hamas attacked Israel by land, air, and sea, launching thousands of rockets from Gaza into Israel and storming the Israeli border on foot. According to an Oct. 15 report from AFP News, over 1,400 Israelis were killed in the attack. In response, Israel began launching airstrikes into Gaza City on Tuesday, Oct. 10.
The Israeli airstrikes sent Gaza, home to 2.3 million people, into a spiral. On Monday, Oct. 9, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered to cut off electricity, food, and water to Gaza, which is ongoing as of Oct. 18. According to the Gaza Health Ministry via AP News, at least 2,778 Palestinians have been killed as of Oct. 17, with thousands more injured. An Oct. 14 AP News report said about 1 million Gazans have been displaced.
According to TIME, aid groups in Gaza and nearby Israeli towns are struggling to help wounded people and are calling for more assistance. Although many people have shown support for the innocent people affected by the war through social media posts, there are other ways to help the people of Israel and Gaza directly. These organizations are all dedicated to helping every civilian affected by the war, and you can step in to help as well.
- Magen David Adom
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The national emergency medical service in Israel is on the front lines of saving lives. MDA aspires to deliver the best possible care in critical situations by using motor vehicles to get aid to citizens all over the country, and with your donation, they can continue giving Israelis the care they need and deserve. Learn more information here.
- Palestine Children’s Relief Fund
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In an effort to raise $1 million for the children who are suffering from the war, the Palestine Children Relief Fund has been dedicated to helping the children of the war in the Middle East for over 30 years. This organization aims to help wounded children receive critical medical care and supply the basic necessities to everyone else in need. Currently, the relief fund has reached 39% of its goal, and you can donate to help them close the gap here.
- The International Red Cross
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With over 250 years of serving and helping those who are victims of conflict, the International Red Cross strives to help humanity in the most challenging and dangerous situations, and through their organization, they’ve continuously done so. Unfortunately, as more civilians are wounded in the middle of conflict, it becomes increasingly more difficult to ensure that everyone is getting the basic necessities that they need in order to survive. With your help and donations, they can continue aiding the world. Learn more about the organization and donate here.
- The Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror
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With their immediate response time to victims of terror around the world, JAFINA is an American charity that was created to support the Jewish Agency for Israel. The organization is a definite first responder when conflict affects thousands of innocent people. The swiftness of their response is what helps lower the number of casualties by getting help to those injured. More information about their foundation and how you can help support can be found here.
- Medical Aid for Palestinians
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The MAP organization is actively responding to the Middle East emergency by sending a number of important healthcare supplies to hospitals that are struggling to cope with the number of injuries. The essential drugs, disposables, and other medicare are what assist the hospitals in taking care of the wounded individuals, but more donations will be needed in order to help as more casualties are expected to rise in the coming days. Find more information on how to donate here.
- Alliance for Middle East Peace
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With over 170 non-governmental organizations, including hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and Israelis, banding together to promote peacebuilding, the Alliance for Middle East Peace is currently assisting those on both sides who have been affected by the war. Learn more about their organization and where you can donate here.
- Doctors without borders
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Doctors Without Borders has organizations in more than 70 countries, where their teams are on the ground giving emergency medical aid to those who need it most. Doctors Without Borders has been giving aid to people in Gaza for 20 years, and is working to help those in crisis there currently. You can donate to Doctors Without Borders here.
- Anera
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Anera is an organization that works to help people living as refugees in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan. They give the emergency relief needed in times of crisis, including food, water, health care supplies, and more. They also help to rebuild schools and hospitals that have been destroyed by bombs and natural disasters. You can donate to Anera here.
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency
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The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) protects refugees in Palestine and provides emergency response in times of conflict. The UNRWA has been in Gaza and the West Bank conducting emergency operations since 2000. You can donate to the UNRWA here.