Principles Guide Actions

Provash Budden, deputy senior vice president, Emergency Programs

After more than two years of conflict, the situation in Gaza has escalated into one of the most devastating humanitarian crises of our time. Over 67,000 lives have been lost, families displaced, health systems attacked and entire cities reduced to rubble.

But beyond the statistics are people: children injured and orphaned, doctors working through exhaustion and aid workers who show up despite huge risks that have resulted in a record number having lost their lives, including staff of our partners.

Their courage reminds us of our commitment to the international humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

Americares was of the first nongovernmental organizations to move medicines and medical supplies into Gaza in 2023. Now, we continue to support our local partners with funding for mobile clinics and mental health programs. In all, since October 2023, Americares has provided 35 tons of medicine and medical supplies and $1 million in funding to our partners with staff in Gaza.

Our efforts in Gaza and beyond represent a belief that humanity can prevail even when conditions are bleak. We must remember what matters: Our presence, our principles and our persistence.