1 January 2009
Despite the dangers Islamic Relief is increasing its humanitarian work – we have no choice. This morning we delivered four trucks of food to the main Al Shifa hospital. Even as we were delivering the food newly injured people were arriving at the hospital. I wonder if the doctors are having any rest at all – it seems the wounded just keep on coming with no pause.
The food aid included flour, rice, beans, tinned meat and fish. Islamic Relief also provided hospital stores with four large trucks filled with food supplies. It was desperately needed. The supplies are enough for the Gaza Strip hospitals for more than a month.
Since the bombing started six days ago people are becoming more and more desperate. I’ve met families who are resorting to boiling weeds that they’ve dug out from the ground in order to feed their families. People are queuing for up to an hour to get bread rations. The long queues are dangerous – bombs could fall at any time and being out in the open is the worst place to be.
The weather is getting colder and this is another danger for Gazans. Islamic Relief has already distributed blankets. We distributed 400 today to the injured at Al Shifa hospital to take home with them. Many of the houses have shattered windows, most people do not have gas and electricity is limited. Some people are trying to replace the broken glass with nylon. But nylon is in short supply and not many people can afford to buy it. It means that people are trying to keep themselves warm by using extra blankets. Many people have started to burn wood to cook food - it also helps to keep them warm.
I fear for the children of Gaza. Hungry, tired, scared and cold. The Islamic Relief staff are trying their best to do what they can. They are Gazans like the rest of the people and we all feel scared. But at the same time we know that if we do not go out and help our fellow Gazans then who will?
It’s the New Year but for Gazans it feels like 2008 never ended.