Oxfam and EU launch second phase of transformative initiative in the Gaza Strip

Gaza: Oxfam, in partnership with local organizations, Terres des Hommes, Beit Lahia Development Association, Bait Al Mustaqbal Association, and Al Tawasol Forum Society, announced the commencement of the second phase of their EU-supported project.

The project addresses basic humanitarian needs, enhances protection conditions for vulnerable households in the Gaza Strip, and promotes the Triple Nexus approach which requires humanitarian aid, development and peacebuilding actors to work together on long-term initiatives that reinforce the national and local systems. This initiative, therefore, aims to aid 580 vulnerable families including persons with disabilities and the elderly through essential multi-purpose cash assistance aligned with protection services in the Gaza Strip.

Building on the successes and insights gained during its inaugural year, the project is committed to empowering at-risk households. Oxfam aims to achieve greater impact through robust support systems and opportunities for Palestinians. The Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) program has effectively aided 432 vulnerable households addressing essential needs. With a special emphasis on women, children, and caregivers, the upcoming project phase focuses on safeguarding vulnerable families. Combining comprehensive protection services with cash assistance supports establishing a more secure environment for those in need.

The project’s second phase prioritizes the integration of lessons learned and best practices from its initial stage to enhance the next phase. The insights from the first year underscore the importance of aiding communities in becoming more resilient amid the prolonged crisis.

Dina Jibril, Oxfam’s acting Country Director, stated, “We are acutely aware of the ongoing humanitarian needs faced by the Palestinian people, especially considering compounded challenges such as limited healthcare access, restricted movement, and economic difficulties. Donors and humanitarian agencies must continue supporting initiatives addressing challenges in Gaza, including access to food, water, electricity, and education. While aid is vital, sustained political engagement is also necessary to lift the Gaza blockade. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and foster hope in the region.”

Following the recent suspension of vital World Food Programme (WFP) operations in the West Bank and Gaza, this project gains heightened significance for the families it seeks to assist. Moreover, the Gaza Strip’s severe humanitarian conditions, exacerbated by repeated Israeli escalations and a prolonged blockade, have further hindered access to essentials, intensifying the vulnerability of Palestinians in the region.

In light of these challenges, more durable solutions to meet basic humanitarian needs through a combination of cash assistance and protection services, provided by Oxfam, Terres des Hommes, and Palestinian NGOs, are more crucial than ever. These solutions offer hope for empowerment, resilience, and positive change for vulnerable families.