Donate Crypto to Humanitarian Aid and Peace Efforts Amid Israel-Hamas War

^{(Image: View from the Mount of Olives on the dome of the rock and ancient cemetery)}‍

On Saturday, Oct. 7, Hamas, a fundamentalist terrorist group that took control of Gaza in 2007, launched a surprise attack on Israeli communities, killing at least 700 people, wounding over 2,000 and taking hundreds of civilians and soldiers hostage. Hamas’ attacks, which were met by widespread condemnation, escalated long standing cycles of violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Following the infiltration of Hamas militants from the blockaded Gaza Strip, from where they also launched thousands of rockets, into 22 Israeli towns on Gaza’s periphery, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared "We are at war" and retaliated with airstrikes on hundreds of targets in the Gaza Strip, including residential structures used by Hamas and burdening Gaza’s already fragile medical system. At least 400 people have been killed in Gaza. Innocent civilians are suffering on both sides.

Humanitarian groups have stepped in to provide support to victims of the violence on both sides. “We are providing surgical and inpatient care, while preparing medical donations for hospitals and health facilities, in Gaza today,” said a tweet from Doctors Without Boards, an organization that provides medical assistance to people in crisis. 

The conflict has resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, including schools and homes, leaving countless families displaced and traumatized. Unfortunately, this may be just the beginning of a long and catastrophic war.  

History of the Gaza Strip

The Gaza Strip is a small territory along the Mediterranean coast that has been a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel occupied Gaza following the 1967 Six-Day War. In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew its settlers and military forces from Gaza, but it maintained control over Gaza's borders, airspace, and coastline—and for the past sixteen years has maintained a tight blockade, severely limiting goods and people entering and exiting the territory. Hamas, an Islamist political and militant group, took control of Gaza in 2007, ousting the Palestinian Authority controlled by its rival Fatah and leading to a political and military division between Gaza and the West Bank.

International Response

In response to the escalating crisis, the Secretary General of the United Nations, condemned Hamas’ targeting of Israeli towns in the strongest terms, alongside leaders from many member states. For its part, the United States has taken steps to support Israel's defense efforts, deploying a carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean and providing additional equipment and munitions to the Israel Defense Forces. While the Biden Administration has framed the provision of military aid as necessary for Israel's security, it's equally important to consider the human suffering on both sides of the conflict and seek ways to alleviate it.

Humanitarian Aid Organizations

Donating to reputable humanitarian organizations already operating in the region is one of the most immediate and impactful ways to help during a crisis. These organizations provide essential assistance such as medical care, food, shelter, and psychological support to those in need. 

Regardless of the political complexities, Givepact’s goal is to extend compassion and support to those who are caught in the crossfire. You can take action by donating to these organizations providing essential services and peacekeeping support on the ground in Israel and Palestine: 

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee

“We have deployed our emergency teams to ensure the wellbeing of our staff and the country's most vulnerable.”

Anera

"Anera is working to further respond to what is likely to be a large humanitarian need in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem."

Doctors without Borders

“We are providing surgical and inpatient care, while preparing medical donations for hospitals and health facilities, in Gaza today. Hospitals are overcrowded with injured people, there is a shortage of drugs, consumables, and fuel for generators.”

HIAS

"Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in safety, dignity, and peace.We are coordinating with our staff in Israel to determine how we can provide critical humanitarian aid to those in need."

International Committee of the Red Cross

“Healthcare workers and health facilities must be protected to ensure people needing help can receive treatment. The dead must also be treated with dignity. In our role as a neutral intermediary, we are ready to visit anyone detained so we can check on their well-being and provide news to their loved ones.”

International Rescue Committee

“The IRC is focused on the humanitarian needs of civilians in the coming days.” 

Islamic Relief USA

“Islamic Relief is working to prepare an emergency response to provide aid to affected families.”

New Israel Fund

The emergency fund plans to tackle the following areas: Basic care for the most vulnerable groups, combating violent speech and incitement online, preventing inter-communal violence in mixed cities, and mental health and trauma counseling. 

Oxfam International

“Oxfam is closely monitoring the humanitarian situation alongside our local partners and international organizations. We are also currently assessing the safety and well-being of civilians, Oxfam personnel and partners, especially in areas lacking adequate shelters and protection."‍

Save the Children

“Save the Children has been working with children impacted by the ongoing conflict since 1953, with a permanent presence in Gaza since 1973. Our main aims are to ensure children survive, learn, and are protected from all types of abuse.”

United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) 

“UNRWA is sheltering 73,538 internally displaced people (IDPs) in 64 of its schools in all areas in the Gaza Strip. Of those, 45 are Designated Emergency Shelters (DES) and 19 are not. An UNRWA school sheltering displaced families in the Gaza Strip was directly hit. The school sheltering more than 225 people was severely damaged. No casualties were recorded among the displaced but the school sustained significant structural damage.”

UNICEF

“With hundreds of civilians reportedly killed or injured, we are closely monitoring the situation for reports of grave rights violations committed against children.”

Peacekeeping organizations 

Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP) 

“We are in close touch with our members, allies and colleagues, and are providing support where we can to our community of peacebuilders in this awful moment.”

Israeli-Palestinian Bereaved Parents Circle

“A joint Israeli-Palestinian organization of over 600 families, all of whom have lost an immediate family member to the ongoing conflict.”

Carter Center

An organization with a long history of promoting peace in Israel and Palestine through election observation, conflict resolution, and human rights initiatives. They have established strong relationships among key leaders and organizations in the region.

Seeds of Peace

“Seeds of Peace has over two decades of experience organizing and implementing dialogue and leadership development programs for youth and educators in communities in conflict across the globe.”

Tomorrow’s Youth Organization

“Our mission is to support refugees and marginalized communities toward building resilience and mental well-being amidst conflict.”

For more support, please reach out to us at hello@givepact.io