Every day, humanitarian aid workers across the world show incredible determination, courage and dedication. They work in the worst of circumstances, often in extremely dangerous conditions, in areas affected by conflict and natural disasters.
They selflessly risk their lives. And too many people end up paying the ultimate price.
In 2023, 261 humanitarian workers were killed in the course of their work – more than double the number of the previous year.
It was the deadliest year on record.
And this year the situation is even more devastating. In Gaza alone, at least 224 aid workers have lost their lives – three times more than in the same period of any other conflict.
“I go out every day not knowing if I will find [my family] safe and sound when I return. Whether I will arrive safely at my destination or not. Every minute, every second, there is an explosion. We don’t know when or where it will happen, there is nowhere safe here in Gaza.”
Providing much-needed assistance in Gaza
The people in Gaza have endured more than 10 months of conflict. And, despite the risks and difficulties, our teams bravely continue their work delivering essential aid.
Between October 2023 and July 2024, they provided emergency humanitarian assistance to more than 915,000 people in Gaza.
Here, some of our incredible humanitarian aid workers tell us about their experiences.
Working to end hunger and disease
“My work with Action Against Hunger has been unlike any other. Here it is not just about providing assistance, but about ending hunger and disease. It is a great challenge to alleviate the suffering of others and to improve the livelihoods of the survivors of the war in Gaza, who continue to suffer and live in the most dangerous and harshest conditions.”
Building trust and resilience
“All these difficulties become easier when we see that people trust us and that our aid and services respond to their needs. Despite the limited capacities available and all the obstacles, we strive to deliver our assistance in the best possible way.”
Giving hope for the future
“One of the women whose children we care for because of malnutrition told me that our concern for her and her child’s health gave her hope that they would get well. It is these testimonies that push us to go on and do more and more to achieve the goal we are working towards.”
Working tirelessly to help the people in Gaza
We’ve been working in Gaza since 2005 and are one of the few humanitarian organisations still working there. Our brave teams are doing everything they can to deliver aid. Since early October, we’ve reached more than 915,000 people by:
- distributing hot meals and hygiene kits
- trucking clean water to communities
- connecting people with shelters
- providing solid waste management.
But it’s getting harder and harder to get supplies and services where they’re so desperately needed.
Despite these challenges, our teams won’t give up.
