To apply pressure on the international community to not give up Jerusalem, thousands of people from Gaza decided to initiate the “Great March of Return” – a series of protests at the border fences around Gaza.

These marches started on 30th April and the demonstrations were stepped up on 14th and 15th May in both Gaza and the West Bank in commemoration of the Nakba’ (an annual day of commemoration of the displacement that preceded and followed the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948).

Demonstrations quickly evolved into clashes with Israeli forces, mainly at checkpoints, resulting in the loss of life and injuries. A total of 60 Palestinians, including eight children, were killed by Israeli forces in the past week. Shootings and bombings around the borders continued today.

… A total of 60 Palestinians, including eight children, were killed …

The number of people injured amidst the ongoing demonstrations stands at over 12,316 people (including 1,125 children, 486 women, 127 press staff and 212 medical staff).  From this total, 3,597 suffered live ammunition gunshot wounds.  This weeks’ conflict brings the total number of people killed during demonstrations over the past 6 weeks to 115 people (including 10 children, 1 woman, 2 journalists and 1 health worker).

As part of the broader ongoing chronic crisis in Gaza, 50% of all essential drugs list (516 items) are currently at critical stock (less than one month’s supply) and 40% are completely depleted.

50% of all essential drugs list (516 items) are currently at critical stock (less than one month’s supply) and 40% are completely depleted

The Islamic Relief team on the ground in Gaza is coordinating with the Ministry of Health to identify the most urgent needs on the ground and is currently procuring over $180,000 worth of essential medical supplies for distribution to health service providers over the next couple of days.

Islamic Relief is also currently distributing food parcels and vouchers for Ramadan which has come at a very critical time, when markets are empty and where people are facing acute food shortages.