Lebanon is experiencing a severe crisis as ongoing conflicts devastate communities across the country. Since October 2023, hundreds of civilians have been killed, with 2,566 casualties reported. More than 113,000 people have been displaced from South Lebanon, and thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed (OCHA). 

Lebanon is also home to 1.5 million displaced Syrians and nearly 500,000 Palestinian refugees, making it one of the largest hosts for refugees. The ongoing conflict has left around 700,000 children out of school (UNHCR). In response, UMR is launching emergency relief efforts, focusing on helping the most vulnerable, including displaced families, women, and children. 

UMR’s Emergency Response: 

UMR is providing lifesaving help to families in urgent need by delivering medical kits, food aid, and shelter supplies. 

• $12,500 sponsors a medical emergency kit for three months, helping 10,000 patients. 
• $140/month provides food aid to a household, ensuring access to nutritious meals. 
• $200 covers non-food items (NFIs), like shelter supplies, to help displaced families stay safe and maintain dignity. 

Your donations will directly support families displaced by violence, including those in overcrowded shelters or temporary housing. Together, we can provide essential relief to those affected by this crisis. 

United Mission for Relief and Development (UMR) Expands Emergency Response for Gaza 

Washington, DC — November 16, 2023

In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, United Mission for Relief and Development (UMR) has rapidly deployed its emergency response plan, working in close coordination with a network of steadfast partners including NGO alliances for Gaza, UNRWA, and the Hashemite Charity Association. This collaborative effort has been instrumental in delivering essential services to the affected populations. UMR, alongside its active partners, is prioritizing urgent relief operations by providing a lifeline of critical resources. The joint endeavors have facilitated the delivery of vital emergency medical supplies, the distribution of over 63,000 liters of fuel to sustain operations in 11 hospitals, medical clinics, and support for ambulance services. Additionally, UMR efforts through its diverse partners  has been at the forefront of distributing necessary food supplies to nourish both the injured in medical facilities and families who have been displaced by the ongoing conflict. This concerted effort underscores UMR’s commitment to alleviate suffering and provide immediate support to those in dire need during this challenging time.

Thousands of affected civilians have already benefited from UMR’s proactive and impactful initiatives. In collaboration with Hashemite, the largest non-governmental organization in Jordan, UMR is sparing no effort to expand its support and deploy crucial aid to Gaza. The planned assistance includes:

• Three containers of medical supplies and surgical disposables, currently located in Jordan, awaiting final approval for transit to Gaza via UMR / Hashemite charity association joint efforts. The estimated value is $1,000,000.
• Two containers of blankets, procured and awaiting green light and shipment from Jordan, aiming serving at least 600 households
• 200 infant incubators generously donated by our partner Quest Scope from India, and will be handover to partners can deliver them to Gaza via Egyption/ Gaza borders especially the Hashemite charity or UN agencies

Dr. Abed Ayoub, CEO and President of United Mission for Relief and Development (UMR), expresses his commitment to supporting the people of Gaza who are enduring unimaginable suffering:

“In this critical moment, our hearts are with the people of Gaza who are facing unprecedented challenges. UMR stands resolute in our dedication to providing immediate relief and support to those in need. Together with our partners and the unwavering support of our donors, we are determined to bring normalcy to the lives of those affected by this crisis.”

This comprehensive humanitarian effort demonstrates UMR’s commitment to providing immediate relief and long term support to those affected by the crisis in Gaza. The organization remains dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals, families and communities in need.

Washington, DC, October 25, 2023 – The ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip has taken a devastating toll on the lives of civilians where fuel, food, water, medicine, safe shelter, electricity, and other basic necessities for survival are unavailable or running low. The immediate emergency response requires all aid organizations to coordinate their efforts in order to maximize resources. It is in this background that UMR today signed an agreement with UNRWA USA to support the to humanitarian appeal in Gaza released on October 19, 2023 by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). 

UMR has been actively participating in the humanitarian appeals and response to address the desperate and unbearable situation faced by civilians in the Gaza crisis. UMR has joined forces and will support UNRWA’s overarching appeal, which aims to raise $104 million USD for humanitarian response over the next 90 days. These funds are crucial in addressing the immediate needs of the affected population, first and foremost fuel, in addition to food, shelter, health services, medicine and electricity. 

Amid the current situation, hundreds of thousands of displaced people are sheltering inside UNRWA schools and facilities where thousands of UNRWA staff, the majority of whom are refugees themselves, are delivering humanitarian assistance. 

UMR’s appeals shall support UNRWA’s massive efforts to assist hundreds of thousands of individuals needing urgent shelter in Gaza, as well as many thousands more whose family, homes, and livelihoods have been disrupted. 

“The humanitarian task in Gaza is enormous and overwhelming. Aid agencies need to work together to bring immediate relief as we plan for the long term rehabilitation of lives, family, and livelihood for the population. Our support for UNRWA I am sure will go a long way as they have been supporting the population for seven decades now,” commented Dr. Abed Ayoub, President and CEO, UMR.

ABOUT UMR:

United Mission for Relief & Development (UMR) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on providing disaster relief and recovery services to the underserved both domestically in the U.S. and internationally across the globe. For more info visit www.UMRelief.org

ABOUT UNRWA USA:

UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA) is an independent nonprofit organization that provides support for the humanitarian work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA USA lifts up the voices, experiences, and humanity of Palestine refugees to secure American support for resources essential to every human being, for the promise of a better life. US taxpayers are eligible for tax deductions for donations made through UNRWA USA. For more info visit unrwausa.org

ABOUT UNRWA:

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN Member States. UNRWA also receives some funding from the Regular Budget of the United Nations, which is used mostly for international staffing costs.

The Agency’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance, including in times of armed conflict. For more info visit www.unrwa.org

The recent crisis in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating as the concern for access and delivery of emergency humanitarian aid steadily mounts due to restrictions and blockades. Notwithstanding the difficult logistic challenges, United Mission for Relief and Development (UMR) has intensified its commitment to delivering essential life-sustaining aid to the most affected population. UMR is actively providing on the ground life-saving support by leveraging its strategic partnerships and establishing alternative distribution methods. 

UMR acknowledges the complexities imposed by the current restrictions in Gaza and has established a robust strategy utilizing the influence and network of the Hashemite Charity Organization, an array of local community-based organizations (CBOs) as well as the United Nations. This collaborative approach ensures the successful procurement, distribution and delivery of critical supplies, circumventing traditional barriers that have hindered numerous relief efforts. 

“We understand that the challenges in Gaza are multifaceted and require a dynamic, collaborative approach. Our partnerships are invaluable in navigating these complexities on the ground. Together, we’re not just delivering aid but saving lives and providing hope,” commented Dr. Abed Ayoub, CEO and President, UMR. 

Partnering with the Hashemite Charity Organization, UMR will hand over pharmaceutical supplies and equipment capable of serving over 100,000 medical cases in Gaza. This is valued at over $1,000000. 

Additionally, UMR is procuring tents, clothing and other essential items which will be delivered to Gaza through UMR’s association with the Hashemite Charity Organization. These items are crucial in providing immediate shelter and comfort to the millions who would be displaced by the conflict or facing severe economic hardship. 

UMR is also engaging and negotiating with UNRWA on ways it can support and expand UNRWA’s operations and programs for those severely affected by the crisis. 

UMR is part of a coalition of Aid NGOs that includes Rahmah Worldwide, International Humanitarian Relief, Pious Project, Medglobal, and the Palestine Tomorrow Association. This coalition is focused on fortifying ER clinics in Gaza, an urgent need given the enormity of deaths and injuries. This coalition is also mandated to procure medicines, support operational capacities, and distribute food to injured individuals and their families amidst the crisis. 

While UMR will do all that it can to alleviate the suffering and reduce the pain, the need is enormous. UMR calls on the international community to recognize the gravity of the situation in Gaza and encourage other humanitarian organizations to contribute to the relief efforts through direct participation or support the initiatives currently being undertaken.