The world's attention has turned away from the ongoing crisis in Gaza, as fundraisers report a devastating decline in donations since the ceasefire was announced in October. This has left aid organizations and volunteers struggling to meet the needs of those affected by the conflict.
The situation is particularly dire for Palestinians in Gaza, who have been enduring war, displacement, and illness for over two years. Many have lost their homes, livestock, and agricultural land, and the healthcare system is on the brink of collapse. The ceasefire has brought a temporary lull in the violence, but it has not addressed the underlying issues that plague the region.
Mutual aid funds, which rely on small donations from individuals, have been hit especially hard. Megan Hall, an Australian fundraiser, has seen a 90% drop in donations since the ceasefire. She used to be able to send $5,000 a week to people in Gaza, but in October, she raised just over $2,000 across all her campaigns. Hall warns that the world's perception of the ceasefire as a solution has led to a belief that Palestinians no longer need aid, which is far from the truth.
The impact of the ceasefire on the ground is evident in the stories of individuals like Ahmed al-Deeb, a 28-year-old from Gaza City. Al-Deeb's family was displaced to Deir al-Balah in September, and they now struggle to pay rent for a tent. With winter approaching, they are facing homelessness unless they can find a bomb-damaged apartment, which is a costly and uncertain process.
The decline in donations is not just a problem for Gaza. Humanitarian organizations like Oxfam and Save the Children UK are also reporting a drop in support. The financial strain on ordinary people in the US, UK, and other countries, as well as the algorithmic biases against pro-Palestinian content on social media, are contributing to the problem. As the world turns away from Gaza, the needs of those affected by the conflict remain urgent, and the future looks uncertain for the 2 million people who call Gaza home.
