Barriers, conflict and very little hope
Decades after the conflict first began, life is still a precarious affair for many Palestinians. Political instability, conflict and the erection of the West Bank barrier have choked economic development in the region.

The result of the ongoing crisis is that poverty is becoming widespread. On average, 57% of the population live below the poverty line, but in some areas this figure is much higher. In communities that live near the barrier wall for instance, around 65% of the people are poor.

The crisis is having damaging effects on children. Many have been injured or killed in the violence, while others have been traumatised by the fear of living in a hostile environment.

Trauma and injury
IR is helping injured and traumatised Palestinian children in its Integrated Care Programme which was established in 2001. Over the years, IR staff have helped hundreds of children cope with horrific injuries such as lost limbs or paralysis. The centre also helps children that have been traumatised by an environment of fear and unrelenting violence.

Islamic Relief also rehabilitated the Modernisation of Artificial Limbs and Polio centre in the Gaza Strip where injured children can receive treatment.

IR donors also sponsor over 3,900 orphans in the Gaza Strip.

Education
IR runs Educational Enhancement Centres in the refugee camps of Jabalia and Maghazi where children have access to computers, books and toys. The centres provide extra classes for children and counselling for traumatised children.

Business Loans
Islamic Relief is tackling the causes of poverty by creating jobs and helping hundreds of Palestinians establish businesses with interest-free loans. 

Milk for pre-schoolers
Around 8,000 children receive fortified milk and enriched wafer biscuits to help combat malnutrition.

Islamic Relief has worked in Palestine since 1994, and opened its Gaza City office in 1998.