During the second week of the Israel-Hamas conflict in mid-July, a Mennonite Central Committee partner began assisting families in Gaza.

Longtime partner Al Najd Development Forum distributed locally purchased food to 230 families on behalf of MCC.

Some recipients of MCC’s one-month, $25,000 food distribution have been displaced by the violence.

Malnutrition in Gaza, and specifically in the MCC response areas, was already a problem prior to this latest flare in the conflict.

The homes of three Al Najd staff members were damaged in the fighting. On July 17, all Al Najd staff were safe but very tired. People were not sleeping at night due to the bombings. They emphasized appreciation for MCC being present and helping Gazans at a critical time.

MCC and Al Najd, a community-based organization begun by women to provide programs and services for women and their families, are planning a longer-term response. MCC is accepting funds for this effort.

MCC has worked with partners in Palestine for more than 60 years and with partners in Israel for more than 40 years.

MCC opposes violence against all people who live in the region and is committed to walking with Palestinian and Israeli partners for justice, peace and reconciliation.