History of Country

Barriers, conflict and very little hope

Decades after the conflict first began, life remains precarious for many Palestinians. Economic development has been stifled by political instability, constant conflict and the erection of the West Bank barrier.

As a result poverty is rife. On average, 57 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. In some areas this figure is much higher. In communities that live near the barrier wall for instance, roughly 65 percent of the people are poor.

The crisis is damaging children. Many have been injured or killed in the violence; others have been traumatised by the fear of living in a hostile environment. Education has also been disrupted and malnutrition rates continue to rise.

Islamic Relief's History in Palestinian territories

Conflict has severely disrupted education in Gaza and school enrolment is declining

IR has worked in Palestine since 1994, and opened its Gaza City office in 1998. Trauma and injury IR helps 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 severe injuries such as lost limbs or paralysis. The centre also helps children that have been traumatised by an environment of fear and unrelenting violence. IR also rehabilitated the Modernisation of Artificial Limbs and Polio centre in the Gaza Strip where injured children can receive treatment. IR donors sponsor over 3,900 orphans in the Gaza Strip. Education In the refugee camps of Jabalia and Maghazi IR runs Educational Enhancement Centres where children have access to computers, books and toys. The centres provide extra classes for children and counselling for traumatised children. Business Loans IR is tackling the causes of poverty by creating jobs and helping hundreds of Palestinians establish businesses with interest-free loans. Milk for pre-schoolers Some 8,000 children receive fortified milk and enriched wafer biscuits to help combat malnutrition.