Anera was formed in 1968 to respond to the needs of Palestinian refugees. Ever since we have been working on the ground with partners in the West Bank and Gaza—including the aftermath of October 7, 2023—to deliver sustainable, long-term health, education, and economic development programs to vulnerable Palestinian communities.
About Palestine
Palestine refers to a region in the Middle East located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. Today, the term most commonly applies to two separate areas: the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip. These territories are home to millions of Palestinians. For many people, understanding where Palestine is, and what it is, can be confusing, which is understandable. The region’s borders and political status have been deeply affected by decades of conflict, displacement, and international debate. In 1948, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forcibly displaced during the establishment of the state of Israel, an event known as the Nakba, or “catastrophe” in Arabic. Many of those displaced families and their descendants now live in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring countries as refugees. Today, the West Bank remains under Israeli military occupation, while Gaza is under a blockade enforced by Israel and Egypt. These conditions have created ongoing humanitarian challenges for Palestinians living in the region.
PALESTINE GOVERNORATE MAP
Current Challenges in Palestine
- Food Insecurity: Many Palestinians face barriers to accessing adequate food due to movement restrictions, trade limitations, and poverty. In Gaza, the majority of the population relies on food aid to meet their basic needs.
- Healthcare Access: Healthcare systems are under strain, with shortages of medical supplies and limits on the ability to travel for treatment—particularly in Gaza, where permits are required to access specialized care outside the territory.
- Clean Water and Sanitation: Access to safe water is a critical issue, especially in Gaza, where most of the water supply is undrinkable. Infrastructure challenges, fuel shortages, and restrictions on importing materials for repairs have made it difficult to maintain water and sanitation systems.
- Restriction of Movement: Palestinians in both the West Bank and Gaza face severe limitations on their freedom of movement. In the West Bank, military checkpoints, roadblocks, and a separation barrier restrict access between cities, to agricultural land, and even to medical care or work. In Gaza, a strict blockade limits entry and exit, requiring permits that are often difficult to obtain. These restrictions affect nearly every aspect of daily life.
- Infrastructure Breakdown: Years of conflict, blockade, and limited access to construction materials have left Gaza’s infrastructure in a fragile state. Power outages are common, with electricity often available for only a few hours a day. Damaged roads, schools, hospitals, and sewage systems are difficult to repair due to restrictions on importing building supplies. This impacts everything from public health to economic stability.
- Economic Hardship: The economy in Gaza has been severely weakened by years of blockade and repeated conflict. Unemployment rates are among the highest in the world, especially for youth and women. Many families rely on humanitarian assistance to survive, with limited opportunities to earn a stable income or grow small businesses.
- Education: Schools in both Gaza and the West Bank are affected by overcrowding, limited resources, and conflict-related closures. In Gaza, infrastructure damage and electricity shortages can interrupt learning, while movement restrictions in the West Bank can make it difficult for students and teachers to access schools and universities.
Anera's Work In Palestine
Anera has a deep, sustained impact in Palestine, particularly in the West Bank and Gaza, where we deliver critical programs in health, education, and economic development. In Gaza, where access to basic services is severely limited, Anera provides lifesaving medical aid, builds and rehabilitates healthcare facilities, and supports mental health initiatives. In both Gaza and the West Bank, we invest in job creation and vocational training programs that empower youth and women with practical skills, enabling them to build livelihoods amid challenging conditions. Our early childhood development and infrastructure projects have improved learning environments for thousands of children, ensuring safer, more supportive spaces to grow and thrive. Every program is designed in partnership with local communities, ensuring sustainable and immediate impact.
With your support, Anera helps Palestinian communities access educational opportunities, clean water, employment and community infrastructure. Your contribution will help Anera work directly with Palestinian communities to bring long-lasting and meaningful change. Learn more about the use of your gift by visiting our FAQ page, then donate today to improve lives in Palestine.
BY THE NUMBERS
Current State of Palestine
4.9 Million
live in Palestine
Checkpoints and walls isolate Palestinians and restrict their movement.
War
devastates Gaza
The war that started after October 7, 2023, devastated Gaza and displace the vast majority of its residents.
96.7%
literacy rate
But only 73% of schools in Palestine have a science lab.
PROJECTS
Our Priorities
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