Aid to the Church in Need Ireland has generously donated €12,000 for the purpose of fuel provision for the displaced community, at Holy Family School, Gaza, which consists of 600 Christians.

 

The money has gone toward key areas such as power supply and communications, water access and sanitation, vehicle operations, and community resilience.

 

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels since October 2023, with severe fuel shortages creating a cascading effect across all essential services. According to reports from UN agencies, it is estimated that more than 1.9 million people (approximately 85 per cent of Gaza's population) have been internally displaced. Nearly 1.4 million displaced people are sheltering in 155 UNRWA facilities across Gaza with shelters operating at 4-5 times their intended capacity.

 

According to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 70 per cent of Gaza's population lacks access to clean water due to fuel shortages affecting desalination plants. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that only 15 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza remain partially functional.

 

UNRWA reports that fuel shortages have forced 47 out of 52 bakeries to close. Sewage treatment plants are operating at less than 10% capacity, processing only 20,000 cubic meters of daily 220,000 cubic meters of wastewater.

Prior to the crisis, Gaza required 1.4 million liters of fuel daily for essential services. Current restrictions have limited fuel entry to less than 10% of pre-crisis levels. The World Food Program reports that cooking gas prices have increased by over 900 per cent and black-market fuel prices have reached up to 830 per liter, compared to pre-crisis prices of $1-2.

 

Hospitals require approximately 150,000 liters of fuel per month for basic operations while water facilities need 150,000 liters monthly to maintain minimal service levels.

 

 WHO reports that lack of fuel has led to a 90 per cent reduction in surgical operations, complete shutdown of 50 per cent of medical diagnostic service and inability to maintain cold chains for vaccines and essential medicines.

 

UNICEF reports that water availability has dropped to 1-3 liters per person per day, far below the humanitarian minimum standard of 15 liters. In addition, sewage overflow due to non-functional pumping stations has increased the risk of waterborne diseases by 300 per cent.

 

The UN Development Program estimates that 90 per cent of small businesses have suspended operations due to fuel shortages, the agricultural sector is operating at less than 15 per cent capacity and food prices have increased by an average of 400 per cent since the crisis began.

 

Moreover, the World Bank reports indicate that fuel shortages have contributed to an 80 per cent reduction in commercial activities, complete collapse of the format banking sector and paralysis of public transportation systems.

 

Following widespread infrastructure damage in Gaza, including the destruction of solar power systems and disruption of essential utilities, the Latin Patriarchate Holy Family School emerged as a critical shelter for 600 displaced Christians. This grant provided €12,000, covering one-third of a fuel and diesel invoice needed to maintain basic operations.

 

The grant facilitated the procurement and distribution of fuel and diesel for three critical purposes:

 

Power Supply and Communications

Maintained reliable electricity through generator operation, providing two-hour power cycles for lighting, medical equipment, and electrical devices.

Enabled consistent mobile phone charging, preserving communication channels for the displaced community.

 

Water Access and Sanitation

Powered water pumps to transfer well water to rooftop storage tanks.

Supported essential hygiene and sanitation needs, including shower facilities, toilet operations, laundry services and general cleaning and maintenance.

 

Vehicle Operations

Facilitated emergency transportation.

Enabled procurement runs for essential supplies.

 

Impact

The grant's impact can be measured across several key areas:

Basic Needs Support

-        Secured power supply for 600 individuals.

-        Supported basic hygiene and sanitation services.

-        Maintained operational vehicles for emergency situations.

Provided stability in an otherwise chaotic environment. Maintained essential communications infrastructure.

Supported community cohesion through reliable shared services.

In conclusion, the grant has proven essential in maintaining basic living conditions for 600 displaced individuals during an acute humanitarian crisis. The support provided through this funding has been crucial in maintaining dignity and basic living standards for the displaced community, enabling the continuation of essential services and supporting emergency response capabilities.