Get to know the children whose lives your donations have touched.
Through your support, families in Gaza received vital food parcels during these desperate times. Behind each parcel is a real story — children and their mothers and fathers experiencing moments of relief amidst hardship.
Our team in Gaza provided 500 food parcels to families with children suffering from malnutrition — 142 parcels in Gaza and the North Governorate, 186 in Deir Al Balah, and 172 in Khan Younis.
Each parcel was filled with nourishing staples, including potatoes, chicken stock, tahini, vegetable oil, chickpeas, sugar, rice, beans, feta cheese, pasta, and flour, helping families prepare fresh and healthy meals despite the difficult conditions.
The Rebuilding Alliance team asked families to pick up their parcels at central locations near where they live, in one of three areas: Deir Al Balah, Khan Younis, or Gaza City.In the stories below, families share their struggles and hopes.
⚠️ Warning: these are difficult and emotional stories to read.
Hala’s Story:
📍 Gaza City
Hala, a 9-year-old girl from Jabalia, lost her home when it was destroyed, leaving her family displaced and living in very difficult conditions.
Hala shared with us that her twin brother, Mohammed, is suffering from severe malnutrition and extreme weakness, and that their family cannot afford the food or medical care he urgently needs.For Hala’s family, this food parcel was more than just food — it was a symbol of hope and a reminder that they are not forgotten.
Yazeed’s Story:
📍 Gaza City
In the story of Yazeed, a two-year-old boy, we see the pain of malnutrition in its harshest form.
His mother told us, with deep sorrow, that unlike other children his age, Yazeed hardly plays, struggles to walk, and his movements are very weak. His appetite for food is almost gone, making his condition even more fragile.
Yazeed’s older brother, six years old, is also suffering from malnutrition. However, since most aid programs stop at the age of five, he has been left without the support he desperately needs. The family, displaced from Beit Lahia, lives under extremely difficult conditions. Yazeed’s mother spoke about their daily struggle—not only to find food but also the lack of basic health essentials like diapers.For her, the food parcel was not just a box of food, but a ray of hope amid immense hardship — a reminder that her children are not forgotten.
Qasem’s Story:
📍 Gaza City
The family of baby Qasem, who is one year old, faces the harsh reality of severe malnutrition. His mother shared, with deep sorrow, that she is unable to provide him with the proper food he needs. For months, his survival has depended almost entirely on small portions of nutritional supplements like peanut butter.
In addition, she also cares for her 9-year-old son, which makes their daily struggle even harder.When Qasem’s mother received the food parcel, it was more than just essential food — it was a moment of relief, a sense of safety, and a reminder that she is not alone in their struggle.
Sabrin & Mostafa’s Story:
📍 Gaza City
The family of one-year-old twins, Sabrin and Mostafa, is facing immense hardship. Their older sister shared that both babies are suffering from malnutrition. When they see other children in the camp drinking milk or eating, they ask for some too — but their family simply cannot afford it.
Their mother is speech-impaired, and their father was injured during the war, leaving him unable to work or provide for the family. With prices rising sharply, even basic necessities like milk and bread are now beyond their reach.The entire family was overjoyed to receive the food parcel, which brought a glimmer of hope to a family trapped in unbearable circumstances — where even the simplest needs for survival have become a distant dream.
Arjwan’s Story:
📍 Gaza City
Arjwan is a little girl whose health is extremely fragile due to malnutrition. She has lost a lot of weight and suffers from repeated intestinal infections caused by unsafe water. Her family is doing everything they can to care for her, but every day is a struggle to survive. Receiving the food parcel brought them a small moment of relief.
Arjwan’s family was forcibly displaced and now lives in very harsh conditions. Her father told us he has no income and cannot afford milk or diapers for his daughter. Her mother, who is nine months pregnant, is also malnourished and often faints from weakness and lack of food.Thanks to your generosity, our team in Gaza provided food parcels to families with children suffering from severe malnutrition, and Arjwan’s family was among them.
Sham’s Story:
📍 Gaza City
Our team in Gaza provided a food parcel to Sham’s family.
Sham, only one year old, is suffering from severe malnutrition. Her mother told us that Sham cannot stand or walk, hasn’t grown a single tooth yet, and there is no milk to feed her.
The family’s struggles go far beyond food. They are displaced, living with five other families in one crowded classroom. They barely have anything to eat. The children are often sick, and Sham and her siblings suffer from skin rashes and recurring fevers.For Sham’s mother, receiving the food parcel was a small light in the middle of a dark struggle.
Lamis’s Story:
📍 Gaza City
Lamis is just 10 years old, but her body shows the painful effects of malnutrition. Last week, her family was among 500 families in Gaza who received a food parcel from our team.
Her father says their situation feels like being “close to death.” They don’t even have the most basic necessities. Lamis needs healthy food like chicken and other types of meat— but they can’t afford any of it. Because she isn’t getting the nutrition her body needs, her health continues to decline. She has brown fungal spots on her skin, but there’s no way to treat them. She’s always hungry, which has slowed her growth and made it hard for her to focus and learn new things.Receiving the food parcel brought a small moment of relief to the family — something rare in a time when hope is so hard to find.
Hala’s Story:
📍 Gaza City
Hala, a 9-year-old girl from Jabalia, lost her home when it was destroyed, leaving her family displaced and living in very difficult conditions.
Hala shared with us that her twin brother, Mohammed, is suffering from severe malnutrition and extreme weakness, and that their family cannot afford the food or medical care he urgently needs.For Hala’s family, this food parcel was more than just food — it was a symbol of hope and a reminder that they are not forgotten.
Maryam’s Story:
📍 Gaza City
Maryam is only 12 years old and lost her father during the war. Her mother now struggles alone to care for six children in a single tent, with no income and no safety.
Maryam’s younger sister suffers from severe malnutrition and constant seizures, but they do not have any access to medicine. Maryam suffers from weakness, dizziness, and headaches due to hunger.
Maryam and her family received a food parcel from our Gaza team this past week as part of the support for families with severely malnourished children. This food parcel brought a glimmer of hope and some relief in a life filled with struggle.For Maryam and her family, it was a reminder that they are not forgotten.
Tulin’s Story:
📍 Gaza City
Tulin is only one year old, yet she hasn’t grown any teeth. She cannot stand or walk; her tiny body is so frail that her bones are visible beneath her skin. The family lives in a tent under harsh conditions after being displaced.
Tulin’s siblings are also suffering: her four-year-old sister weighs less than 10 kilograms, and her nine-year-old brother’s spine protrudes due to severe malnutrition. They have all developed skin diseases that have spread across their faces and eyes, with no treatment available. Their father, who suffers from a serious brain disorder, is unable to provide for them. For this family, every single day is a battle for survival.Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Tulin and her family were among 500 families in Gaza who received food parcels during the second phase of our emergency food distribution. These parcels brought not only nourishment but also hope in the face of unbearable hardship.
Samir’s Story:
📍 Gaza City
Samir is an 11-month-old boy suffering from severe malnutrition.
His father shared that Samir is extremely weak, and he cannot provide him with nutritious food or sufficient milk.
His mother, who is breastfeeding, also suffers from malnutrition due to the lack of food and ongoing famine.
The family has five children, and every day is a struggle to meet even their most basic needs.
For Samir and his family, receiving this food parcel offered a small but crucial relief, giving hope that they are not forgotten in the midst of severe hardship.
Eileen’s Story:
📍 Gaza City
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Eileen and her family received a food parcel from our team in Gaza.
Eileen, a three-year-old girl, suffers from severe malnutrition. Her mother shared with sadness that her little girl is so weak she cannot run or play like other children. Even speaking has become difficult for her.
The family was deeply grateful for the nourishing food parcel.
For Eileen, it was a chance to regain her strength.
For her mother, it was a reminder that they are not forgotten.
Hanaa’s Story
📍 Al-Labbabidi Junction, Gaza City
Hanaa is a 3-year-old girl suffering from malnutrition.
Her mother shared that Hanaa desperately needs nutritional supplements, but the family’s situation is extremely difficult.
Living in a tent has caused Hanaa to develop widespread skin allergies.
She often faints from lack of food and rarely moves due to weakness.
Her skin is extremely sensitive, reacting to many types of soap and even washing treatments, making daily hygiene hazardous.For Hanaa’s family, receiving this food parcel offered a rare moment of relief and hope, helping them face the harsh realities of life in displacement.
Salsabil’s Story
📍 Al-Labbabidi Junction, Gaza City
Salsabil is just two years old and cannot walk or crawl. In addition to suffering from severe malnutrition, she has developed mental health issues. Her family is unable to provide the care she needs.
The family has four other children, each struggling with serious health problems — liver disease, weak trachea, calcium deficiency, and low immunity. Every day is a constant struggle for survival. The food parcel brought the family some relief and a glimmer of hope amid overwhelming hardship.
Ahmed’s Story
📍 Al-Labbabidi Junction, Gaza City
Ahmed is a 10-year-old boy suffering from malnutrition.
His mother shared that he looks much younger than his age and is constantly crying from hunger, always asking for food.
Ahmed is an orphan and has four siblings.
Despite her best efforts, his mother cannot provide enough food and drink for them.
Prices are extremely high, and even the cheapest options remain difficult to afford.Ahmed dreams of playing like other children, but there is nowhere safe for him to play.
Sometimes he simply wishes for small treats, like bread or chips, as a simple joy.
Receiving a food parcel brought a much-needed relief, giving his family hope amid their daily struggles.
