Gaza's suffering is far from over - we must act in solidarity

The recent ceasefire in Gaza has brought a fragile sense of relief to a region that has been enduring unimaginable suffering.
But for the Palestinian families who have survived the relentless bombing and destruction, the battle is far from over.
They continue to face severe poverty, hunger, displacement, and despair. Homes lie in ruins, hospitals are overwhelmed, and children are growing up in an environment where basic needs like food, clean water, and education remain out of reach.
As a British-Palestinian and the CEO of Action for Humanity, I have witnessed firsthand the resilience of the Palestinian people. But resilience alone is not enough to rebuild lives.
It is our collective responsibility to step in, extend our hands and hearts, and let the families of Gaza know that they are not alone.
New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch
Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters
This is why we at Action for Humanity have launched the "Extend Your Table: Gaza Family Twinning" initiative - a programme rooted in solidarity, empathy, and the timeless values of our shared humanity.
Crisis beyond words
The humanitarian needs in Gaza are staggering.
By 'twinning' with a family in Gaza, supporters are forging a bond of compassion and solidarity that transcends borders
Even before the war, more than 80 percent of the population depended on humanitarian aid to survive. Since then, food insecurity has escalated to unprecedented levels, with families struggling to afford even the simplest meals.
Healthcare systems, already stretched to their limits, are now on the brink of collapse. Schools have been reduced to rubble, and access to clean water remains a daily challenge for many.
In this context, the "Extend Your Table" initiative is more than just a lifeline; it is a beacon of hope.
For a set monthly donation, families around the world can "twin" with a family in Gaza, providing critical support to meet their daily needs.
This twinning is not just about financial assistance; it is about restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and fostering a sense of global solidarity.
Forging a bond
The concept of extending one's table is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition.
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad, the Muhajireen (emigrants) were welcomed by the Ansaar (supporters) in Medina in an extraordinary display of brotherhood and generosity.
The Ansaar shared their homes, food, and lives with those who had fled persecution in Mecca.
Follow Middle East Eye's live coverage of the Israel-Palestine war
This bond was not just an act of charity; it was a profound embodiment of unity and faith.
Today, the "Extend Your Table" initiative seeks to rekindle this spirit of brotherhood. By twinning with a family in Gaza, supporters are forging a bond of compassion and solidarity that transcends borders.
They are telling a family in Gaza: "We see you. We hear you. We stand by your side."
Through this initiative, we are using one of the recognised methods within the aid and development community - cash and voucher assistance - to support families impacted by crises.
This approach empowers families to meet their own needs, but it can also contribute to rebuilding homes, as many families in Gaza have lost their dwellings due to relentless, indiscriminate airstrikes.
Critical support
With humanitarian aid blocked from entering the Strip, families in Gaza have been suffering from a severe food insecurity crisis.
This initiative will help alleviate this catastrophe by providing families with access to nutritious meals and clean water.
Moreover, Gaza’s healthcare system is overwhelmed; countless people have been maimed and injured by the brutal war, leaving many families unable to afford medical treatment.
"Extend Your Table" can help these families cover critical expenses.
But the impact extends beyond supporting the families in the twinning initiative.
By providing families with cash assistance, we enable them to spend locally, which helps revitalise businesses, foster economic recovery, and combat war-induced poverty.
Another way this initiative can help is by covering education costs. Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and this programme can help children in Gaza access schooling and fulfil their aspirations for a brighter future.
Call to action
The "Extend Your Table" initiative is not just a programme; it is a movement and a call to action.
It is an invitation for individuals, families, and communities around the world to stand in solidarity with Gaza.
As a British-Palestinian, I carry with me the stories of my people: their struggles, their resilience, and their unwavering hope in humanity
The world has often turned a blind eye to the suffering of Palestinians, but we must not. We, the masses, have the power to make a difference, to restore hope, and to rebuild shattered lives.
As a British-Palestinian, I carry with me the stories of my people: their struggles, their resilience, and their unwavering hope in humanity.
This initiative is a way to honour those stories and ensure that the families of Gaza know they have not been forgotten.
I invite you to join us on this journey of compassion and solidarity. Extend your table to a family in Gaza and be part of a legacy of hope and humanity.
Together, we can rebuild not just homes but the bonds that unite us as a global family.
To learn more about the "Extend Your Table: Gaza Family Twinning" initiative and to sign up, please visit actionforhumanity.org.
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye.
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.