Riad Kamal

I am a Palestinian and of all the investments I make, supporting my people could be the most rewarding.

Currently over 1.5 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are suffering under unprecedented hardship as a direct result of Israeli military aggression in the city.

Alarmingly and predictably, the slowly building humanitarian crisis has now developed into an urgent emergency situation of major proportions, with the deliberate obliteration of basic water, electricity, fuel and agricultural infrastructure, and remaining supplies. This aggression will have a long-term effect on Palestinians and is likely to have repercussions on the region as a whole.

The human security of every Palestinian family in Gaza is under grave threat. The grim casualty toll rises every day, adding to the more than 500 dead, and the 2500 wounded by direct rocket and mortar attacks, as well as indirect damage from shrapnel and collapsing buildings. Those who need medical attention often cannot move or are too terrified to seek access to healthcare.

The board and staff of the Welfare Association feel immense responsibility to use all of its human, technical, and financial resources to work together to respond to this emergency.

This means contacting partners in Gaza to determine urgent needs as well as longer-term needs; appealing to local, regional and international friends and donors for funds that will be ready to direct to Gaza when the situation permits; and using advocacy efforts within our international networks so they address this humanitarian crisis with every means at their disposal, and so that they might understand the roots of the political conflicts that fuel violence in the region.

I believe it is ridiculous to stop and think which Palestinian side I should support. Does it make anyone happy to kill children and women? Does it make anyone happy to watch violations of humanitarian law? It's a question of survival.

People around the world are watching stories that sketch a portrait of a people held prisoner; where food and medicine have become a luxury. In fact, survival in Gaza is a luxury. Action is a basic need.

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