Gaza: immense humanitarian needs after the ceasefire
The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains extremely worrying. The population is suffering from widespread destruction and food shortages. Helvetas, the Swiss development cooperation and humanitarian aid organization, is collecting donations for its partner Alliance2015, CESVI, which is providing emergency aid on the ground.
The two-year war between Israel and Hamas, and the severe blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt, have devastated the Gaza Strip.
Now that the ceasefire is finally allowing the population to breathe and many displaced people are seeking to return home, the needs are immense. The extent of the destruction, the very difficult access to health services, the large number of wounded, and the unpredictable entry of food supplies make daily life in Gaza a painful challenge.
There is an urgent need for increased humanitarian aid on the ground.
The Swiss development cooperation and humanitarian aid organization Helvetas is involved in providing aid in Gaza through its Alliance2015 partner CESVI.
CESVI is currently working in the center and north of the Gaza Strip in the areas of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), solid waste management, and site management, in coordination with Alliance2015 partners, local actors, and the international humanitarian system. Water transport by truck and the rehabilitation of sanitary infrastructure (repair of water and sanitation pipes) are at the heart of CESVI's activities in the Gaza Strip, providing a crucial lifeline to thousands of displaced people in this small territory.
Over the past two years, CESVI has provided drinking water to more than 105,000 people. 130 latrines and 144 water tanks have been installed in emergency camps. 22,850 people have received hygiene supplies. 275 hygiene training sessions have been provided, particularly for mothers and children. Sewers have been cleaned and waste removed to prevent disease.
Although the overall situation remains very difficult and operational challenges remain particularly complicated for NGOs, CESVI plans to step up its emergency response efforts, as the needs are enormous. The goal is to ensure access to basic services in the coming months.
The colossal task of clearing debris will be carried out as part of a cash-for-work program.
Furthermore, in the hope of lasting peace, CESVI intends to launch psychosocial support activities for children and community awareness sessions for women, men, and children. In the longer term, as a WASH actor, CESVI hopes to play a role in future reconstruction efforts.
