After enduring relentless bombing and devastation, displaced people in Gaza are beginning to return to their homes—most of which are severely damaged—following the recent ceasefire agreement. Over the past year, Gaza’s population has faced unimaginable challenges: widespread displacement, a crippling health and food crisis, and the constant fear of bombings.
Since October 2023, Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA has played a key role providing avenues for the Australian community to be informed on the situation in Gaza, demonstrate solidarity to the people of Gaza and offer meaningful financial support to aid efforts on the ground.
Our support –thanks to your donations- is delivered through our long-term partnership with the local Palestinian NGO, the MA’AN Development Center. APHEDA and MA’AN have worked together since 1989, with Australian community and government funds being employed to support MA’AN’s development and humanitarian work.
A fight against famine
Between October 2023 and January 2025, APHEDA provided $1,010,000 AUD to MA’AN in support of their humanitarian aid response to the war in Gaza.
MA’AN has utilised these funds alongside their broader relief efforts, using Australian donations to supplement needs where there are gaps in provision based on their own-the ground assessments. So far APHEDA funds have enabled:
- Multipurpose Cash Assistance being provided to 588 households which is around 3,069 individuals. This enabled households to prioritise their greatest immediate needs, which were food, water and hygiene supplies including sanitary pads for women.
- Fresh Vegetable baskets were provided to 2,000 households to support access to food with high nutritional value. The vegetables supplied where purchased from farmers in Rafah, supporting the local economy and food supply chains.
- 12,250 households received 3kg of bread each to support a large number of people with an essential food.
- Food Baskets containing a variety of items including powdered milk, rice, tuna, pasta and sugar were provided to 1,200 households.
- Nourishing hot meals were prepared and distributed to people from 6,942 households
- Blankets were provided to 472 households to keep people warm as they sleep in tents in the winter.
Honouring MA’AN humanitarian workers
MA’AN have been able to deliver aid activities that are effective, accountable and complementary to other partners working on the ground.
Their committed workers have continued to provide support to the people of Gaza despite navigating high levels of displacement, changing access to different areas and serious threats to their life and wellbeing. Tragically, eight MA’AN staff members have lost their lives in the past 15 months. We honour their bravery and their service to peace and humanity.
Australian solidarity
The scale of the support has been built on the strong engagement of the Australian union movement and the contributions of Australian workers and their communities. This includes:
- More than 2100 donations from individual supporters
- More than 16 community fundraising events hosted in support of our Gaza appeal
- Donations from 19 unions and Trade and Labour Councils totalling over $315,000
The Path to recovery
As the ceasefire takes effect and the flow of aid into Gaza improves, MA’AN is reassessing the evolving needs on the ground. The destruction of housing, schools, healthcare facilities, and essential infrastructure will require a significant, sustained investment in rebuilding efforts. Recovery for the people of Gaza will also involve addressing the psychological, physical, and financial toll of the prolonged conflict and immense loss of life.
How you can help
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported our emergency appeal for Gaza and Lebanon. If you would like to contribute, donations are still being accepted here.
Together, we can continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza.