After 10 months of war in Gaza Strip, over 1.9 million people have been displaced, representing 90% of the people according to OCHA. People have moved, often in a rush and without proper warning, from one place to another, without anything left to carry with them, except their children and a few plastic bags with their belongings. People with disabilities, women, children and the elderly, are especially vulnerable.

The living conditions of displaced people are dire. People are sleeping, eating and living on the floors of tents, often not properly covered, overheated due to the heat, and without proper access to safe water and food. Women don’t have enough sanitary pads and children are exposed to scabies and other skin conditions. Access to hygiene and sanitation services are extremely limited, leaving people to queue for the few latrines for hours on end, and are unable to regularly shower. Conditions and lack of access to water and food are all contributing to health risks.

In February, MSF partnered with The Palestinian Agriculture Development Association (PARC) working in Khan Younis, Al Mawasi. The PARC supported by MSF teams are providing emergency aid to displaced people. In July, after two evacuation orders from Israeli forces in east Khan Younis, the PARC supported by MSF teams saw an increase in people arriving to Al Mawasi, Khan Younis, area. PARC with MSF support teams provided the emergency distribution of 324 sanitation units (latrines) in Gaza displacement camps - including 15 for persons with disabilities. One desalination unit was also supplied. Three solar systems and logistical support to the newly arriving displaced people, aiming at reaching 4,000 displaced people.