Daijiworld Media Network - Gaza
Gaza, Nov 22: Fundraisers aiding Palestinian civilians in Gaza are facing a “catastrophic” drop in donations since the ceasefire announced in October, threatening the survival of families living in temporary shelters and struggling with hunger, illness, and malnutrition.
Megan Hall, an Australian volunteer running 95 mutual aid funds for individual families in Gaza, has raised over $200,000 since February 2024. She said donations, which had already slowed in September, fell sharply after the October 10 ceasefire. During the conflict, Hall could send roughly $5,000 weekly to Gaza, but in October she raised only about $2,000 across all campaigns. “The drop in donations is catastrophic. It feels like with the so-called ‘ceasefire’ the world thinks Palestinians don’t need our help anymore,” she said, warning of the coming winter and lack of basic supplies.
Other mutual aid organisers also reported steep declines in contributions, which are critical for small-scale, social media-driven support. Larger nonprofits are seeing similar trends. Gaza Soup Kitchen, which raised over $5.8 million since February 2024, reported a 51% decline in donations from September to October. Oxfam GB and Save the Children UK have also noted drops in contributions, particularly through social media channels.
Humanitarian agencies warn that the ceasefire does not mean the humanitarian crisis has ended. According to a WHO-cited SARI Global assessment, over 70% of Gaza’s population—nearly 1.9 million people—remain exposed to harsh weather without proper infrastructure. “Most agricultural land and livestock have been destroyed, and the healthcare system is decimated,” said a UN OCHA spokesperson.
Aid convoys have begun entering Gaza, but only three of seven border crossings are open, limiting distribution. “Around 2,000 tonnes of food assistance should enter daily; we are receiving about 60% of that through UN-coordinated channels,” the OCHA spokesperson said.
Families dependent on mutual aid face dire conditions. Ahmed al-Deeb, 28, relies on a fund established six months ago to support his extended family of 14. Donations, which grew to nearly $3,000 in September, fell to $300 in October and barely $150 in November. With winter approaching, Deeb struggles to pay $400 monthly rent for a bomb-damaged apartment and fears eviction.
Fundraisers attribute the decline in donations to a misconception that Palestinian suffering has ended, financial strains on donors, and social media algorithms limiting visibility of pro-Palestinian campaigns. Hall noted personal financial sacrifices, including selling furniture, to support families.
As winter sets in, Gaza’s two million residents face another period of uncertainty, with humanitarian aid still insufficient to meet basic needs.