The images we have seen from Gaza are of relentless suffering and unyielding despair.
The Human Catastrophe in Gaza
Nearly two million Palestinians are trapped in ongoing missile strikes, destruction, starvation and despair. Shattered buildings and rubble-strewn alleys have been wrought by incessant bombings and airstrikes. Homes are in ruins, and their inhabitants buried beneath the debris. No buildings have been spared, including schools, hospitals, and vital infrastructure. Israel’s blockade has nearly completely stopped the flow of food and supplies. People are starving.
Hope
Operation Hope has identified a UK-registered charity which has been able to deliver their first truck-load of supplies into Gaza. Since 2019, the charity ‘Refugee Biriyani and Bananas‘ (RBB) has been delivering aid to refugees in camps in Syria, Kurdistan, Serbia, France, and Greece. When food was available in markets, trusted friends and relatives of RBB volunteers in Gaza have been able to purchase food and supplies for distribution in Gaza. However, food is running out and more shipments are needed.
All photos courtesy of Refugee Biriyani and Bananas.
RBB has been able to purchase a truck load of supplies for Gaza. The truck departed Cairo on 9 February, and arrived in Gaza 3 weeks later after crossing 6 checkpoints under the supervision of the Egyptian Red Crescent. Local RBB partners in Egypt have been essential to the successful shipment. RBB partners in Cairo included the Egyptian Red Crescent and another UK charity which provided logistical support. This charity has already sent over 160 trucks of aid to Gaza and assisted RBB with their successful shipment. The RBB truck was loaded with 8 pallets of food (rice, lentils, beans), 10 pallets of water and 2 pallets of hygiene products. Once through the Rafah crossing distributed was handled by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society through the trusted RBB teams in Gaza.
The video shows the truck of aid finally passing through the Rafah crossing. RBB will send more trucks as soon as more funds are available.
Cost of this shipment was £18,500, with the water donated by the logistics partner. A full truck load is expected to cost approximately £35,000.
You can find out more about Refugee Biriyani and Bananas on their website and Facebook page
This page has detailed information about RBB due diligence and governance when assisting in Gaza.
Sending Aid to Gaza
Operation Hope Australia is supporting the work of RBB in Gaza by publicising the work and collecting donations that will be sent to Refugee Biriyani and Bananas in the most efficient way available. We can ensure transfer costs will be less than international bank transfers with associated high cost of currency exchange.
Donate below using Credit Card/Direct Debit
OR, you can also donate directly to our bank account;
- Account Name: Operation Hope Australia Ltd
- BSB: 034-087
- Account: 045791
- SWIFT/IBAN Coode: WPACAU2S
- Please include your email address in the description so a receipt can be sent to you.