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Since October 2023, Gaza has been under one of the most prolonged and devastating assaults in modern history, an ongoing war that continues to claim lives, destroy infrastructure, and uproot entire communities. With each passing day, the scale of devastation deepens and the humanitarian needs grow more urgent. In the face of this relentless crisis, Taawon has stood where it always has: shoulder to shoulder with the Palestinian people. As skies turned to fire and families fled for survival, we did not retreat. We acted. This was not a moment for hesitation; it was a moment to live up to our mission with urgency and resolve. Within hours of the escalation, Taawon launched its largest emergency response yet, Gaza Deserves, delivering vital aid to tens of thousands facing unimaginable loss.

A Vision Beyond Relief

Gaza Deserves was more than a rapid response. It was the beginning of a long-term recovery strategy rooted in dignity and human resilience. Despite border closures, fuel shortages, and communication blackouts, our teams, supported by a vast network of partners, have reached shelters, hospitals, and homes with food, clean water, medicine, and psychological support. Over 830,000 people have been reached so far.

Among our most significant interventions was the launch of the orphan care program titled Noor, established in partnership with Bank of Palestine Group. In its first year, Noor focused on providing humanitarian assistance, healthcare, psychosocial support, and protection services to war-orphaned children. To date, we have registered close to 20,000 children in this program, with each child supported until they reach adulthood. We remain dedicated to restoring childhood, healing trauma, and building a dignified future.

Meanwhile, our ISNAD program focused on keeping higher education alive amid the rubble by supporting thousands of students with tuition coverage, digital learning solutions, and academic staff support.

Gaza Emergency Relief distributes urgent aid to displaced families in Gaza.

We also launched a global partnership to deploy mobile health units with medical equipment and lifesaving supplies, in response to the collapsing healthcare system.

Beyond Gaza: A Nationwide Commitment

While Gaza has borne the brunt of the destruction, the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Lebanon have not been spared. In refugee camps such as Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas, Taawon has provided urgent food and medical aid, all while investing in long-term initiatives that focus on education, youth empowerment, and sustainable agriculture.

Lebanon Under Attack Campaign provides emergency aid for the displaced in Lebanon.

In Jerusalem, our Old Cities Revitalization Program has preserved both heritage and presence. We have renovated homes and historic sites to help families remain rooted in their city against mounting pressures.

In Lebanon, where refugees have faced renewed violence, Taawon has intensified its education, health, and psychosocial programs in refugee camps such as Burj al-Barajneh and Ain al-Hilweh. Our Lebanon Under Attack campaign has ensured that displaced families receive immediate support.

Four Decades of Steadfastness

Since our founding in Geneva in 1983, Taawon has stood as a beacon of hope and steadfast commitment. We have invested nearly $1 billion in projects that span education, health, culture, agriculture, heritage, women’s empowerment, and youth development. We work through a powerful ecosystem of over 200 local and international partners. What began as a bold idea 40 years ago by Palestinian business leaders and intellectuals is today a model of excellence in humanitarian and development work for Palestine. It is a model that reflects the will of the Palestinian people and the power of partnership.

NOOR Orphan Care Program provides mental health support to orphans in Gaza.

The People Behind the Response

Behind every intervention are the dedicated individuals who make it happen. From our field teams navigating destroyed roads in Gaza, to coordinators in Jerusalem restoring homes, to volunteers delivering food parcels in Lebanon, it is these individuals’ courage, resilience, and deep commitment to justice that define Taawon. Their stories – of determination, compassion, and ingenuity – are the quiet force behind our most visible achievements. And they are the reason why we remain hopeful.

Setting up Taawon’s “For Palestine” emergency camp in Gaza.

Taawon is not just an institution. It is the voice of perseverance, the hand that reaches out in times of crisis, and the bridge between suffering and hope. For every Palestinian, we remain committed to standing strong, building boldly, and believing deeply in a future where dignity and justice prevail.

All article photos are courtesy of TAAWON.