Westbank

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has traumatized countless people, displaced them from their homes, and torn families apart. SwissRelief was able to provide urgently needed help on various sides in 2024. The West Bank has been completely isolated from the outside world by Israel since October 2023, and unemployment has risen immensely. Many families are struggling for mere survival. Additionally, countless workers from the Gaza Strip have been stranded in the West Bank for over a year, have no work, and cannot afford food or accommodation. With the help of local partners on the ground, several hundred poor families in the West Bank could be regularly supplied with emergency aid packages.

In the Gaza Strip, where people suffer most from the war, our local staff also tirelessly provided aid. They distributed food, warm blankets, and other relief supplies, offered support in processing war trauma, and organized play and sports programs for orphaned children. Additionally, at various stations, needy people could get filtered drinking water, charge their electronic devices, and receive trauma counseling.

For years, SwissRelief has supported an educational facility in the West Bank with a kindergarten, a primary school, and a leisure center. There, children learn the value of reconciliation instead of joining the cycle of hatred between the hostile ethnic groups. This place became even more significant due to the war. The facility strengthens children's self-esteem, creativity, and ability to resolve conflicts.