The life of Aid workers in Gaza amid War and Displacement

The life of Ihsan has been changed by the war. Ihsan used to work in logistics for ActionAid in Gaza enjoying his daily life and work, routine tasks before the war. The ongoing Israeli war against Gaza since October 2023 impacts all aspects of life in Gaza through repeated displacement orders, loss of friends and relatives, destruction of infrastructure and closure of crossing causing starvation and collapse of health system.

Ihsan misses his daily morning routines in Gaza before the war where he used to drive to office and offices of ActionAid’s partners every day easily in short time. These daily routine tasks were missed after this brutal war as he spends his time to seek safe place in Gaza after receiving evacuation orders. Ihsan was displaced more than 6 times.  However, driving has become impossible for Ihsan as he cannot drive amid the rubble and destroyed roads lack of fuel that is blocked from entering Gaza since 2nd March.  Ihsan says: “Driving a car in Gaza has become extremely difficult and challenging. Ihsan said “there were many difficulties due to the displacement movement in the south. The roads were congested, and a journey that used to take fifteen minutes or less started taking two hours or more”.

Ihsan said: “the war has deeply affected us; it has impacted our lives and homes. Displacement has affected every aspect of our lives. It has destroyed our lives from beginning to end, leaving us with nothing”.

Ihsan has experienced previous wars on Gaza – in 2008, 2012, 2014, and 2021 – they worked under difficult conditions, but it could not be compared to the intensity, scale, duration, and relentless pace of this Israeli ongoing war that began in October 2023.

Ihsan is affected by this war and always worried about his neighbors, colleagues and friends. Ihsan says: “I feel the despair on people’s faces and the grief in their eyes. When I walk in shelters and between the tents, we see that people are suffering and most of them are sick. It is very painful to see our children walking long distances to bring water while they are supposed to play and learn in their schools and enjoy recreational activities. Our children now are suffering from loss, illnesses, lack of education, starvation, anxiety and amputation”. 

Ihsan faces many challenges resulting from ongoing bombing and closure of crossing borders causing shortage of food, fuel and everything in Gaza. Ihsan says: It is dangerous for me to move from place to place in Gaza. I have to check with my colleagues before moving or heading to any place to minimize some of the risks. There is no safe place in Gaza due to ongoing bombing. We have difficulties in making phone calls and texting due electricity and communication cut. We also face challenges in withdrawing cash or making simple bank transactions, as well as the lack of fuel, are also constant hurdles we must overcome”.

People in Gaza are being denied access to basic necessities as water and food. They are struggling to find food or bring water under blockade and high prices. Ihsan has to bring water to his family: “My activities involve collecting municipal water in large containers, then storing it in the tank and other storage tanks. We can only use water when absolutely necessary because it is limited.

Ihsan tries to overcome those challenges despite his suffering. Ihsan said: “we struggle to find food to our own children, search for medication when they get sick, and we suffer from a constant stress and uncertainty. Our life might be changed in seconds.

Ihsan has lost his home and is afraid of his family. Ihsan says: “we have lost our homes, our dreams, and our sense of security. I am worried all the time about the safety and well-being of my family. I think all the time and raise question if my sons and daughters will be able to enjoy decent and peaceful life?”.

Ihsan’s wish is end this war and demand the world to act.  Ihsan says: “we demand the world to act and stop this war. We are not numbers. Each one of us has families, dreams and aspirations. We demand you to ask your people and governments to work for ending war and reach immediate caesfire and opening crossings. We want our sons and daughters to continue their lives, education and work in peace and dignity”.  

Ihsan wants to go to practice his normal life. “I really want to return to work because I don't like staying at home. All my colleagues know that I am active, love work, and value punctuality”.

About ActionAid International

ActionAid International is a global federation working with over 41 million people across more than 72 of the world’s poorest countries. We strive for a just and sustainable world where every individual enjoys the right to a dignified life and freedom, a world free from poverty and oppression. We work towards social justice, gender equality, and poverty eradication.

ActionAid Palestine began operations in 2007 to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people, believing in their right to freedom, justice, and self-determination. ActionAid Palestine implements several programs engaging Palestinian communities, youth groups, and women, aiming to empower women and youth and enhance their active civic and political participation to understand their rights and engage collectively in addressing rights violations resulting from prolonged occupation. It also seeks to improve their leadership capacities and citizenship practice by holding authorities and other responsible parties accountable.

For more information, please contact:
Riham Jafari
Communications and Advocacy Officer, ActionAid Palestine
Email: Riham.Jafari@actionaid.org