Gaza: Swiss Solidarity launches new solidarity campaign

A sign of hope is finally emerging for Gaza. After two years of devastating attacks and a deadly blockade, the signing of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel and the gradual opening of border crossings will allow humanitarian aid to be stepped up.  

In this still fragile context, Swiss Solidarity is launching a new solidarity campaign specifically dedicated to the people of Gaza, who are currently facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

‘This ceasefire brings hope, but the situation remains dire. The people of Gaza are exhausted, starving, deprived of healthcare and shelter. We must act now to transform this fragile hope into concrete aid,’ says Miren Bengoa, Director of Swiss Solidarity. 

A catastrophic humanitarian situation  

The needs in Gaza remain immense: officially declared famine, destroyed infrastructure, hospitals out of service, acute shortages of food, water, medicine and electricity. The population is at the end of its tether. 

Swiss Solidarity is monitoring the situation very closely. There are still some grey areas in the agreement, and the organisation will adapt its support according to developments in the situation and access possibilities.  

A new fundraising campaign to step up aid and prepare for reconstruction  

This new campaign aims to immediately step up emergency aid and prepare for the reconstruction phase. Thanks to the donations received, Swiss Solidarity and its Swiss NGO partners will be able to: 

• Provide basic necessities: food, water, medicine, shelter and hygiene products.
• Strengthen medical care and mobile clinics.
• Provide cash assistance so that families can buy the most urgent items, such as food, medicine, etc.
• Offer psychosocial support to traumatised children and families.
• Support, in the medium term, the rehabilitation of essential infrastructure – access to water, health facilities, schools and housing. 

A strong commitment since 2023 

Since November 2023, Swiss Solidarity has raised more than CHF 9 million to help victims of the conflict in the Middle East. 

These funds have financed 21 humanitarian projects, including 18 in Gaza and 3 in Lebanon, implemented by Swiss NGO partners such as Terre des hommes, Caritas, HEKS/EPER, Frieda, and Médecins du Monde. Thanks to these projects, thousands of families have received food, water, medical care and psychosocial support.

Until now, aid has been limited by access restrictions; the partial lifting of the blockade now makes it possible to rapidly step up operations. 

Action guided by humanitarian principles  

Swiss Solidarity acts in accordance with humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.  

Aid is allocated exclusively on the basis of humanitarian needs, without any political considerations. The Foundation works only with experienced Swiss NGOs that have strict mechanisms for controlling and monitoring funds. 

Call for solidarity

Every donation helps to restore dignity and hope to a deeply wounded population. Switzerland's solidarity remains essential to saving lives and helping the people of Gaza to see a future. 

Donations can be made at www.swiss-solidarity.org and at the post office counter, marked “Gaza”.