In response to urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, Direct Relief today completed its latest delivery to Gaza of 23 tons of critically needed medicines and medical supplies, underscoring the commitment of Direct Relief to provide critical support to mitigate the escalating humanitarian crisis affecting civilians.
Distribution of the 73 pallets has begun with the products resupplying field hospitals, mobile medical units, and primary health tents in shelters both in Rafah (Southern) and Deir al-Balah (Central) Gaza. The aid delivery also includes medications to benefit thousands of individuals with chronic diseases, cardiovascular ailments, and injuries, as well as prenatal vitamins and water purification tablets.
Medical items include:
- Diabetes medications and supplies for managing a chronic condition that affects thousands in Gaza
- Drugs to prevent heart failure for individuals suffering from cardiac conditions
- Syringes and needles for administering medications and providing necessary medical care in Gaza
- Sutures and wound care for treating injuries and ensuring proper wound healing in Gaza, where access to medical supplies is limited
- Prenatal vitamins for the health and well-being of pregnant women in Gaza, where access to proper nutrition is a challenge
- Personal protective gear for healthcare workers in Gaza to protect themselves and prevent the spread of diseases
- Water purification tablets and oral rehydration salts for preventing waterborne diseases and treating people for dehydration
As with previous shipments, this delivery to Gaza was the result of weeks of ongoing coordination with various national governments, international agencies, and on-the-ground organizations.
The medical aid that arrived today was airlifted to Jordan from Direct Relief’s California headquarters and distribution center earlier this month. Upon arrival in Jordan, the supplies were received by Anera, which arranged their transport to Egypt. From there, the 73 pallets were divided into three deliveries and driven across the border into Gaza.
The third and final aid truckload arrived safely this morning at Anera’s warehouse in Rafah, Southern Gaza, bringing much-needed aid to civilians facing a dire and still-unfolding humanitarian situation.
Anera, a key regional partner of Direct Relief, is a U.S.-based nonprofit with a longstanding, robust presence and record of providing humanitarian aid in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, and Lebanon.
By the numbers: Today’s shipment brings the total amount of aid delivered by Direct Relief to Gaza over the past five months to 37 tons and more than $24 million in value.
Regional assistance: Direct Relief supported Israel with both financial and medical material assistance in the wake of the deadly October 7 attack by Hamas, including equipping a 50-bed emergency medical field hospital, delivering dozens of emergency medical packs, and granting $1.6 million in financial aid for first responders and trauma and psychosocial support for survivors.
Direct Relief has also supported the efforts of Anera in the West Bank with 10 tons of requested medical items, including prenatal vitamins, IV solution, and more. Amid a rise in tension and conflict regionally, Direct Relief is responding to humanitarian needs across multiple locations, including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
What’s next: Direct Relief is also continuing to work with its partners in Gaza and throughout the region to mobilize and coordinate the delivery of more requested medical aid.
This month, Direct Relief signed an agreement with the International Organization of Migration, which will strengthen both organizations to quickly respond to emergency needs, including those in Gaza.
Direct Relief, an apolitical, non-sectarian, and nongovernmental humanitarian aid organization, is committed to responding to health needs and requests for support in Gaza and across the region. All Direct Relief shipments to Gaza and elsewhere in the region will continue to be coordinated and delivered in accordance with U.S. sanctions laws and with necessary approvals from Israeli and Egyptian authorities.
