let us see what love can do

Since June 2007, an economic blockade has been imposed on Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip by restricting the flow of goods and persons across all entry and exit points. Today, this tragic reality has been compounded by the Israeli government's decision to cut off fuel which is needed for the power plant to function; as a result, Gaza has been plunged into darkness jeopardizing the lives of over 860,000 children, women, and men.

There are 1.4 million Palestinians living in Gaza and recent reports from the World Health Organization state that 72% of the children, including infants, and 42% of pregnant women already suffer from anemia. Prior to the latest blockade, over 50% of the population was reported to be food insecure (cannot afford a balanced meal), while over 30% of children under 5 suffer from stunted growth which is most likely attributed to malnutrition. The situation will certainly continue to deteriorate, while Gazan's are told they must "walk" in darkness while being drip fed humanitarian aid.

There is a very genuine fear of an outbreak of waterborne diseases as more than 40% of Gazan's are without clean running water and therefore must rely on a contaminated water supply. The European Commissioner for External Affairs has stated that the current measures taken against the Palestinian people in Gaza are a form of "collective punishment".

"I had to send my children to their grandparents as we have not had water for 3 days. I am fortunate, I can still afford to buy water for drinking, but those who have no money must drink the municipal water which is unfiltered and salty," said Sahar who lives in Gaza. According to the World Health Organization water supplies in Gaza are polluted, with nitrates at a level ten times the maximum amount recommended.

Kinder USA is working with local NGO's to address the nutritional needs of the children, although we are gravely concerned about the long term effects. There is a severe shortage of practically everything needed to ensure that hospitals function normally. At the peak of winter, the hospitals are bitterly cold as heating units have been switched off to preserve fuel. Four hospitals, including the main pediatric hospital in Gaza are on the brink of closure.

"The daily assault on the rights of the ordinary civilian population must stop. Cutting off water to children is both immoral and illegal under all circumstances," Dr. Laila Al-Marayati, chairperson of Kinder USA. "The obligation to protect these innocent beings rests with the international community which can and should bring an end to the siege of Gaza."

KinderUSA is appealing to all of our generous donors to take an active role and contribute to the emergency relief fund in order to address this ongoing crisis. No child deserves to live under these conditions. Make a secure online donation at KinderUSA.

KinderUSA is a 501 ( c ) 3 tax-exempt organization.
www.kinderusa.org