Renowned local humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers has successfully amassed over R250 000 using crowdfunding campaign, BackaBuddy, to secure essential aid to those in dire need in Gaza.

This was with the help of two volunteers – Ruqaiyah Peer, a 24-year-old optometrist from East London, and Aaliya Kader, a 10-year-old girl from Johannesburg.

As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, the situation in Gaza is dire, with tens of thousands of individuals facing severe food, water, fuel, and medical supply shortages.

Gift of the Givers has mobilised its resources to support hospitals grappling with a critical shortage of medical supplies in Gaza.

"Our fellow Palestinian brothers and sisters are in dire need of emergency shelter, sustenance, and medical provisions. Collaborating with Gift of the Givers, we can make a significant impact in assisting them,” said Peer.

The ongoing violence has strained healthcare facilities the limits.

Gift of the Givers has taken a multi-pronged approach, including procuring medical supplies, medicines, and wheelchairs for injured individuals. Additionally, the organisation is funding the purchase of fuel for ambulances, which have allegedly been deliberately targeted in the conflict.

The founder of the Gift of the Givers Foundation Dr Imitaz Sooliman said he remains hopeful for a ceasefire, stating that there are no winners in war and there are no losers in peace.

“We wish not to see children in pain and mothers losing children and loved ones,” he expressed.

The organisation noted that while the conflict took a toll on the lives of many, the outpouring of compassion and generosity from individuals and organisations alike served as a poignant reminder that “humanity can shine even in the darkest of times”.