Palestine

For a long time, life in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) has been defined by uncertainty and hardship.

Even before the escalations in October 2023, families across Gaza faced decades of blockade whilst families across the West Bank lived through decades of illegal occupation, combined with recurring conflict and instability. 

The situation in Gaza has now reached catastrophic levels, but this crisis did not begin in 2023. 

An estimated 3.3 million people out of a population of 5.5 million in the Palestinian territories are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance (UNICEF, 2025).  

Islamic Relief has been working in Palestine since 1997, providing essential aid and support to communities affected by blockade, displacement, and poverty.  

Find out more about the current crisis in Gaza. 

The enduring impact of blockade and occupation 

The blockade on Gaza, combined with decades of military occupation in both Gaza and the West Bank, have not only restricted movement, but has also dismantled daily life. Economic development has been stifled by political instability, constant conflict, the erection of the separation barrier in the West Bank and a brutal blockade of Gaza since 2007. 

Palestinians face daily restrictions on their movement, limited access to basic healthcare, and the collapse of critical infrastructure. 

Since October 2023, tens of thousands in Gaza have been killed, and hundreds of thousands injured, with the exact figures expected to be much higher due to the number of people still missing.   

Islamic Relief’s work in Palestine  

Since 1997, Islamic Relief has been a lifeline for communities in Palestine. 

From long-term development programmes – many of which have now been paused amid the current crisis* – to delivering urgent medical aid and psychosocial care, our work has always aimed to bring dignity and resilience to the people of Palestine. 

Emergency response and healthcare 

Islamic Relief has played a key role in delivering urgent medical and humanitarian aid such as food, water and clothing in Palestine during times of crisis. 

Our work has been instrumental in supporting medical projects in Palestine, including bolstering emergency responses by supporting key healthcare institutions. 

More recently our Maternal Healthcare fund in Gaza aims to provide emergency support to new mothers and babies as hospitals are destroyed, medical supplies are running out, and food shortages push families to the brink of famine. 

Orphan sponsorship and child protection 

Our Orphan Sponsorship Programme transforms the lives of many vulnerable children and their families in Gaza, providing them with cash transfers that help them get food, shelter, education, healthcare and other necessities. 

We are currently sponsoring more than 20,400 orphans in the Gaza Strip, giving their families a regular stipend towards their basic needs. 

We also provide vital psychosocial support to help vulnerable children heal from the trauma of conflict and loss. 

Safe homes for surviving winter  

Islamic Relief’s winter appeal has helped families in Gaza get through the most difficult time of year.

From fixing roofs and repairing toilets, securing windows and improving electrical wiring, we make sure homes are habitable and safe. We also provide essential items like furniture, hygiene kits and schoolbooks. 

In addition, hundreds of people receive mattresses, blankets, pillows, gas heaters and cookers through the annual programme. 

Sustainable livelihoods 

In the face of soaring youth unemployment, our youth-centred community work in Palestine helped young people enter the world of work, enabling them to earn a reliable living, and raise their living standards.  

Focused on enabling youth to achieve their potential, we developed apprenticeship and internship opportunities and boosted access to high quality technical and vocational education and training.