GEM Succeeds: Specialized Aid Reaches Gaza After Long Struggle

The people of the Gaza Strip celebrated the announcement of a ceasefire between the warring parties after 15 months of conflict that claimed the lives of thousands of civilians and caused extensive damage to infrastructure.

The ceasefire comes amid a humanitarian catastrophe. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Gaza is suffering from a severe shortage of medical supplies, with only 14 out of 36 hospitals operating. The World Food Programme has called for all access points to be opened, emphasizing that its ability to support those in need is “deteriorating.”

United Nations agencies have also warned of rising health and environmental risks, fuel shortages, limited access to clean water, sewage overflows, and a lack of hygiene supplies.

Response of the Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM):

“Our struggle to deliver aid to Gaza lasted for months, but we succeeded.”

Despite the challenges of delivering aid to the Gaza Strip, which even United Nations teams face, the prolonged efforts of the GEM organization to provide support and in-kind assistance to the most affected in the region have borne fruit.

The founder and executive director of the organization stated that the humanitarian situation in Gaza requires collective action. He added that successfully delivering aid to those in need took a long time and encountered numerous obstacles.

In the summer of 2024, a special response team from the Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM) arrived in the Gaza Strip. As of January 1, the organization reports that it has successfully distributed  specialized aid targeted at women and girls (Dignity Kits).

The organization’s director noted, “Since October 7, GEM has been on high alert to respond to the escalation through its Atf program, which focuses on global emergency responses.”

He added, “GEM’s work strategy is grounded in systematic and clear advocacy and sensitivity.” The organization also plans to contribute to Gaza’s recovery efforts “not only materially but also by supporting the emotional recovery of families affected by the loss of life.”

The organization’s director emphasized that GEM will continue to support efforts toward sustainable peace and meaningful dialogue for change, ensuring solidarity with the victims. He described the access to Gaza as “an opportunity to invest in enhancing our expertise to improve responses in other areas such as Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon.”

Since the ceasefire was declared in Gaza, attention has turned to the humanitarian situation, which the United Nations describes as catastrophic. Humanitarian organizations and civil society groups play a crucial role in the recovery, protection, and advocacy for marginalized communities in Gaza, including women and members of sexual and gender minorities.

Share!