Gaza Emergency Response: Lifesaving Interventions Amidst Crisis
The humanitarian needs in Gaza have reached catastrophic levels due to the prolonged conflict. The destruction of over 70% of housing infrastructure has rendered millions homeless, exacerbating the already dire situation. Since the onset of the war, 1.7 million Gazans have been displaced multiple times, each movement stripping them of stability and access to basic necessities.
The intensified military operations in Rafah have significantly worsened the crisis. Between May 6 and May 18, 2024, an estimated 900,000 people – which is 40% of Gaza’s population – were forcibly displaced from Rafah and northern Gaza (UN OCHA). These individuals, many of whom have faced repeated displacements over the past seven months, are now seeking refuge in areas severely lacking essential services, clean water, and food. The continuous relocation has led to severe overcrowding in these areas, increasing the risk of malnutrition and outbreaks of diseases such as acute diarrhoea and Hepatitis A.
Critical Levels of Malnutrition
The food security situation in Gaza is dire, with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reporting that the entire population of 2.3 million people is experiencing critical to catastrophic levels of malnutrition. Over 1.1 million Gazans are classified as being in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe), indicating they are on the brink of famine. The persistent conflict and displacement have severely disrupted food supplies and access, making daily survival a struggle for the majority of the population.
CESVI’s response
Since 1994, CESVI has been a vital presence in Palestine, focusing on water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and environmental resource management. Throughout the initial months of the current conflict, CESVI has been on the frontlines, delivering lifesaving support to the most vulnerable, particularly malnourished children. CESVI has distributed 18 tonnes of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) sachets to clinics and hospitals in central and southern Gaza, providing critical nutrition to children at risk of severe and moderate malnutrition.
In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, CESVI, with an Alliance2015 Joint Intervention funded by Welthungerhilfe, is scaling up its efforts to support the displaced and malnourished populations in Gaza. This intervention focuses on the immediate distribution of high-energy food to those in urgent need. CESVI’s current operation targets approximately 12,600 individuals, equating to 2,100 households, with food parcels designed to ensure a daily intake of 2,100 kcal per person.
The distribution of these food parcels is planned to reach those in the most critical need, including families in informal shelters and spontaneous sites. By providing high-energy food, CESVI aims to mitigate the severe malnutrition crisis and support the health and well-being of displaced families.
