Over the last weeks, Caritas has distributed 11,000 blankets and 3,000 hygiene kits in Gaza. More than 4,500 families deeply affected by the ongoing blockade benefited from this aid, Caritas reported.
For more than 1,000 days, Gaza has been under siege now, with devastating consequences for its already poor population.
Out of the 1.5 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip, 80% were under the poverty line in 2007. The situation significantly worsened after hostilities broke out between Gaza and Israel in December 2008 and January 2009. Homes, businesses and facilities destroyed could not be rebuilt due to the absence of building material.
Caritas distributed 11,000 blankets in eight highly populated locations in the north of the Gaza Strip. The 3,000 hygiene kits benefitted people from 15 places all over the territory.
With its aid, Caritas focuses on the local population's specific needs. 'We made sure that the blankets could serve several purposes: not only to keep warm at night, but also to cover shattered windows and broken walls,' explained Gerhard Ritter, consultant to Caritas Germany.
The kits were packed with personal hygiene items, towels and detergent. Each kit provides for the needs of a family of six during two months. Whenever possible, Caritas selected products manufactured in Palestine, thereby also strengthening the local economy.
In its distribution, Caritas specifically targeted populations previously left out. 'We pick locations which have not benefited from this type of aid for at least six months,' said Eillya Costandinindes, project officer at Caritas Jerusalem. The priority was given to poor people who do not benefit from the refugee status.
Transportation of the goods remains a major problem. The Caritas truck had to travel a distance of 300km and go through two border controls, one to leave the West Bank and another one to enter the Gaza Strip. With the unloading for controls and waiting times, it took a whole day to deliver the aid.
The operation was conducted by Caritas Jerusalem in cooperation with its partner Caritas Germany. It was supported by the German Foreign Office.
