Living on the Margins

The natural beauty of Wadi El Saqa village has been devastated by continuous conflict. Located in the centre of the Gaza Strip, the village experiences frequent tank invasions and heavy artillery fire that does not discriminate between humans, animals or the environment. 

Sixty-five-year-old Abdullah Abu Magaseeb lives in Wadi El Saqa with his wife and six children. Abdullah’s humble home remains partly-built, but his family live in it regardless.

Zero Income

Abdullah has no money to finish the construction of his house. Despite holding a Masters degree in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies he cannot find a job because of his age.

“My family has zero income, because no one is working. I only depend on charity organisations for survival”.

Two of his daughters are keen to pursue their education. One hopes to go to university while the other wants to attend high school. However, Abdullah cannot afford to fulfil his daughters’ dreams because the fees and expenses are too high. Abdullah will not give up though. He is determined to find a scholarship for his girls.

Poverty

As a result of decades of ongoing conflict poverty has become widespread and Abdullah’s situation is no exception. An estimated 70% of the population live below the poverty line, surviving on less than $2 a day.

Food Distribution

Abdullah’s municipality came to inform him of Islamic Relief’s Food to Survive project. Abdullah is very pleased with his family’s food parcel.  “I was happy because it’s the first organisation that knocked on my door to offer me something, when usually I would spend hours visiting NGOs for help”.

Thanks to the food parcels Abdullah is now able to feed his entire family for a month. The Food to Survive project operates across the Palestinian Territories. This year 33,000 poor families are expected to benefit from the food parcels.

Remembering the Margins

Abdullah is very grateful for all of the support that he has received. “It’s a very good parcel and a kind initiative, so I do thank Islamic Relief and I hope this will be put on their good deed scales”.

He urged Islamic Relief to continue helping those in need, particularly marginal communities like Waqi El Saqa village which are often neglected.