The World Federation of KSIMC

The Ramadhan Relief Program is in progress in Gaza where The World Federation is working in partnership with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to distribute food rations to families living in refugee camps.  Over the past several days, however, the region has witnessed a dramatic escalation in violence including a massive assault on Gaza where UNRWA has declared an emergency in the 5 areas that make up the Gaza Strip.

I n response to this crisis, The World Federation is sending more aid to Gaza this Ramadhan. In this blessed and sacred month, we pray for the safety and well-being of all men, women and children living in the Gaza Strip who are affected by the ongoing violence. We pray for a united world where people of all faiths can work and live together for the betterment of all of humanity.

Upon continuous monitoring of the situation on the ground, UNRWA reported on 10 ^th July 2014 that the deteriorating situation in Gaza was marked by more heavy airstrikes and other fire over the past 24 hours. Latest reports indicate that:

• 274 missiles were fired by Israel to the Gaza Strip

• 311 rockets and 22 mortar shells were fired towards Israel

• Israeli navy fired 133 shells at targets where 56 houses in Gaza were bombarded

• IDF positioned at the border fired 45 tank shells

• Total death toll since 8 ^th July is 97, with 582 injured

• At least 28 children have been killed over this time period

Empty streets, closed banks and majority of markets not open, remains a common theme across the Gaza Strip. It is reported that most Government facilities are not functioning, except hospitals. People in Gaza are scared and fearful of what each new day may bring.

Starting on the afternoon of 10 ^th July 2014, Palestinian civilians were contacted over the phone in recorded messages from the IDF asking them to leave their houses and move. In total, reports indicate that approximately 300,000 people were asked to move because of an imminent invasion by the IDF. This tactic was used effectively by Israeli forces in 2012, when large numbers of civilians heeded these warnings and displaced themselves. In this instance, the civilian population has largely stayed in their residences.

In an unusual move, the Rafah border crossing with Egypt was opened on 10 July 2014 to allow the evacuation of wounded Palestinians and for those who hold Egyptian citizenship. In total, 510 Palestinians crossed into Egypt.

As well, on 10 July 2014, airstrikes destroyed a water line that provides clean drinking water for Beach refugee camp in Gaza. Efforts are now underway to repair it.

(Above information provided by UNRWA Gaza Situation Report No. 3)

GAZA STRIP - FACTS AND FIGURES

• 1.2 million refugees

• 8 refugee camps

• 245 schools for 225,000 students

• 21 health centres

• 12 food distribution centres for over 830,000 registered refugees

• Population is living under a tightened land and sea blockade since 2007

• Shattered local economy

PLEASE DONATE:  GAZA RELIEF FUND

The Palestinian people living in the Gaza Strip are undergoing extremely difficult times. With the violence intensifying each day, families are scared and resources are depleting. Please donate generously to the GAZA RELIEF FUND (part of the Ramadhan Relief Fund 1435) where The World Federation has committed to sending more humanitarian aid to Gaza to bring relief to men, women and children living in refugee camps. Your donation is critical to our work in Gaza this Ramadhan. Thank you for your support.

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JAMAAT TREASURER

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