In this powerful episode, we hear firsthand from Hani Al Madhoun, Director of Philanthropy at UNRWA USA, about the dire situation on the ground in Gaza. impacting over 2 million Palestinians.

Here are some key points and stories he shared:

1. Current Crisis Overview:
   • Gaza is facing immense challenges with limited aid getting through. Only 20 trucks made it in yesterday, and zero the day before.
   • Some aid, like COVID-19 tests, isn't immediately relevant to the pressing needs of Gaza, while hospitals and clinics are running out of all essential supplies and are over crowded and over stretched.
   • Over 1.1 million residents displaced and living without fuel, water, food, elecricity and power. 
2. UNRWA's Vital Role:
   • UNRWA is the main logistical partner for getting aid into Gaza. They process and distribute items, including to hospitals and food warehouses.
   • Despite the immense efforts, the need far exceeds the available resources in this unfolding humanitarian catastrophe with residents living without fuel, water, food, electricity, power and over 1 million displaced from their homes.
3. Overcrowded Shelters:
   • 640,000 Palestine refugees are housed in 150 UNRWA facilities, often at three times their capacity.
   • This overcrowding leads to significant mental health and trauma issues.
4. Personal Connection:
   • Hani's family is in northern Gaza, an area facing severe challenges. They've chosen to stay due to familiarity and concerns about potential evacuation and lack of the availability of fuel.
5. Comparing Intifadas:
   • Hani reflects on the stark contrast between his experiences during the first Intifada and the current situation, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of destruction in the past 22 days. 
6. UNRWA's Efforts:
   • UNRWA USA has a team of 13,000 with a mandate to support displaced families, and to support various critical initiatives, including fuel, water, shelter and medical supplies.
7. Challenges Ahead:
   • As winter approaches, there is a heightened risk of flooding, sewage issues, and the spread of diseases.
8. Call to Action:
   • Hani urges people to engage in various ways, including donating to UNRWA, raising awareness, writing to media outlets, and supporting mental health programs.
9. Impact on UNRWA Operations:
   • Communication disruptions have hindered UNRWA's coordination with their on-ground teams, affecting their ability to respond effectively.
10. Closing Thoughts:
    • Hani emphasizes that while donations are crucial, they alone can't fix the enormity of the situation. Collective efforts and sustained support are vital.

We encourage you to visit www.unrwausa.org to learn more and contribute to UNRWA's Gaza relief effort. Every effort counts in providing crucial aid and support to those in need. Remember, solidarity goes a long way in times of crisis. Every dollar counts.

Guest: Hani Al Madhoun, Director of Philanthropy, UNRWA USA
website: www.unrwausa.org
instagram: @unrwausa

Co-hosts: 
Lama Bazzari
Lina Hadid
instagram @freepalestinepod and YouTube and all podcast platforms

Instagram:
@lamabazzari @cravingpalestine @cravingpalestine2
@linahadid @thepalestinelobby