The Issue
Since 7 October 2023, 2.3 million people in the Gaza Strip have suffered the consequences of active conflict and loss of access to essential goods and services. Intense Israeli bombardment and ground operations continue to be reported across Gaza. By January 2025 this had resulted in some 45,000 people killed in Gaza (70% estimated to be women and children), the displacement of 1.7 million people (75% of the population), and the widespread destruction of houses, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure.
Living without electricity and increasingly limited access to other basic services (water, healthcare, shelter), most people within Gaza are displaced, and the entire population is considered in need of humanitarian support. More than 100,000 people have been wounded, and with little access to healthcare, victims remain exceedingly vulnerable.
The Project & The Change
The project aimed to save lives and improve living conditions for conflict-affected families in Gaza by increasing access to essential goods and services. It addresses urgent needs through coordinated efforts guided by UN assessments and in collaboration with MA’AN Development Center.
Key activities included the provision of Emergency Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (EMPCA) to 500 vulnerable families, enabling them to meet urgent needs like food, medicine, and hygiene essentials. Additionally, the project supported informal shelters with essential water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) improvements. These included light repairs to facilities, distributing hygiene kits tailored to women and children, and promoting hygiene awareness. Repairs focused on enhancing access and safety, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and those with mobility challenges.
The Results
Running from December 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, the project addressed critical humanitarian needs in Gaza. It aimed to save lives and improve conditions for vulnerable communities, ultimately reaching 14,723 individuals, including 7,303 women and girls. Key achievements included providing EMPCA to 500 families (2,750 people) to meet basic needs with dignity, rehabilitating WASH facilities in three shelters in Deir El Balah (benefiting 7,710 people), and distributing hygiene kits to 775 individuals in northern Gaza, indirectly reaching 4,263 people.
Despite operational challenges, including disrupted markets and aid entry, the project adapted effectively. Post-distribution monitoring showed high satisfaction rates, with 99% of cash recipients accessing essential services and 98.8% of hygiene kit beneficiaries reporting their needs were met.
Our Partner
MA’AN Development Center is an independent Palestinian development and training NGO established in January 1989, working in Gaza and the West Bank.
MA’AN is one of the largest local agencies in Palestine, supporting both humanitarian, development and empowerment programming. MA’AN maintains a thorough portfolio and expertise in Cash and Voucher Assistance, WASH, food security and protection programming and is actively responding to the crisis in Gaza.
Our Work
DCA and NCA work in Palestine to support Palestinian communities in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem to be economically and socially resilient and active participants in decision making processes affecting their lives. This includes advocating for respect for international humanitarian law, human rights and a just peace. Since October 7, 2023, DCA/NCA has taken part in the humanitarian response to the war in Gaza.
About the project
Full title: Emergency Gaza Response 2023-2024
Period: December 2023 – August 2024
Partner: MA’AN Development Center
Funding: DKK 1,566,447
Number of people reached: 14,723
Main Donors: Cordaid
