Donations to Gaza Plummet as Aid Groups Warn of ‘Catastrophic’ Funding Shortfall
Nuseirat camp, Gaza – A notable decline in donations is threatening vital aid efforts for Palestinians in Gaza, with fundraisers reporting a “catastrophic” drop in funding since the recent ceasefire. The shortfall is exacerbating already dire conditions for the 2 million residents of Gaza, many of whom are internally displaced and struggling to access basic necessities.
While a temporary pause in fighting offered a brief respite, aid organizations are now facing a critical funding gap, hindering their ability to provide essential support. This comes as families like that of Deeb, a Gaza resident, face mounting financial pressures – including rent payments – with limited access to humanitarian assistance. Deeb, who has not received aid in eight months, noted that while some food is becoming available in markets and prices have decreased, his family largely relies on lentils and pasta to survive.
The decrease in donations is attributed to a combination of factors, including a public perception that the crisis in Gaza has eased, financial strain on potential donors in countries like the US and UK, and algorithmic biases on social media platforms. Fundraisers like Hall, who has been selling her furniture to cover a family’s rent, report exhaustion after two years of consistent giving and the significant costs associated with recent evacuations from Gaza City in September.
“People believe the suffering has ended,” said hall, reflecting a sentiment echoed by other aid workers.
Paul Biggar, chief executive of Tech for Palestine, pointed to algorithmic biases on platforms like Meta as hindering fundraising efforts by limiting visibility outside existing advocacy networks. The US government shutdown, impacting public employee salaries and social security benefits, and the broader cost-of-living crisis in the UK and other nations are also contributing to donor fatigue.
With winter approaching, the situation is becoming increasingly precarious for those in Gaza. Deeb faces potential eviction if he cannot make his upcoming rent payment, leaving him and his family vulnerable to sleeping on the streets. The dwindling aid underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for sustained support for the people of Gaza.
