Gaza one year on: Endurance and exasperation

In May 2021, a devastating 11-day escalation in violence rocked Gaza. More than 250 people – including 66 children – were killed in the territory, and nearly 2,000 residents were injured. Rockets destroyed around 300 buildings as well as damaging hospitals and thousands of homes. Mohammad Ismail , Islamic Relief’s safeguarding officer in Gaza, describes the slow pace of recovery and the endurance of the people of Gaza.

Mohammed Ismail, Safeguarding Officer, Islamic Relief Palestine

More than 12 months on from the latest escalation and things have not improved much. When a ceasefire was agreed last year, there were hopes that the situation in Gaza might improve, but many are questioning if anything has really changed.
Palestinians in Gaza still endure hard times, with restrictions on their movement, soaring rates of unemployment and an unprecedented rise in the prices of most basic goods including bread, flour and fuel.
The effects of the escalation in violence touched the lives of every family in the Gaza Strip and many are still coping with the fallout, including some of my colleagues at Islamic Relief.
‘Nothing has changed’
The Al Koluk family lived through the worst of the escalation. At the time the large family lived in two neighbouring homes in the centre of Gaza City. Twenty-two of its 38 members died when their homes were bombed, and the family is now scattered, living in different houses throughout the city.
Along with her home, Em Waseem – the mother-in-law of my colleague Rami – lost several members of her family.
“I have lost my husband, my sons and daughter. I have lost my grandchildren who called me ‘granny’. Family meant everything,” she told me through tears.
“They came to our house thinking it was in a safe area. Nowhere is safe in Gaza. Now, I’ve lost them all. I could never replace them with all the treasures of the world.
“I will never forget them. I pray we will meet in heaven.”
Four members of the Al Koluk family died during an airstrike that destroyed their house.

Despite repeated promises that her home will be rebuilt soon, allowing the family to return, reconstruction efforts remain stalled. “I rented a house near our destroyed building. I wanted to watch the rebuilding of our house. Yet a year has passed and nothing’s changed,” Em Waseem said.
Officials in Gaza have reported that around 1,148 housing units were destroyed during the escalation. Since its end, only 50 houses have been rebuilt. In addition to those destroyed, around 15,000 housing units were damaged, and while many homeowners have managed to make some repairs themselves, others are still waiting for assistance.
The reconstruction effort is reliant on political progress being made between Israel and the Palestinians, as many of the materials and equipment needed for construction are currently restricted or entirely prohibited from entering Gaza. But while waiting for politicians to make it to the negotiating table, the people of Gaza who just want to live a normal life are suffering.
A ‘beautiful but painful’ Ramadan
Maali, a logistics officer at Islamic Relief Palestine, also lost his home last year. Alhamdulillah, Maali and his family were not in the property when it was damaged. They later watched bulldozers demolish their home, which was too damaged to be repaired, leaving only a vacant piece of land.
“My kids managed to rescue the Ramadan decorations from our house. We hung them in the flat we’re renting this Ramadan. It was beautiful, but painful for me,” Maali told me sadly. “I always loved my house. Me, my kids and my wife took care of every detail – the paint, curtains and decorations.
“We also put lots of plants on the roof and my son, Mohammed, liked to raise pigeons there. Now, there is no place for the birds.”
Maali’s family’s flower shop was destroyed last year.

Ali was forced to restart the business in a new location but he and his family hope to return to their home one day. 

Like many young people in Gaza, Maali’s children have struggled to find work, but they did not give in. They started a small flower shop under their house with Ali, the eldest son, delivering flowers on his bicycle. He was making a success of the business, but the shop was destroyed along with the home. Ali was forced to start the business again in a new location, but he and Maali still hope to be able to return to their old neighbourhood one day.
Back to square one
Maali and Em Waseem’s stories are just 2 among tens of thousands, but they show how even everyday challenges like finding a job or building a house can seem like insurmountable obstacles at times in Gaza. The remarkable thing is how, despite these hurdles, the people of Gaza remain determined to carry on and to enjoy their small, happy moments to the maximum.
Gazans must juggle the struggles of life that we all face, while also navigating a blockade, unemployment, a weak economy, political conflict and even airstrikes. Every time a new period of violence ends, they vow that it will be the last and that the coming days will be better.
But the unfortunate reality is that every eruption of violence drags any progress back to square one. As I write these lines, news reports warn that another eruption could be imminent. But my wish is for an end to the fighting. The losses are just too great, especially for people who are already vulnerable.
Many homes in Gaza are still awaiting repair more than a year after they were devastated.

More than a year has now passed since the last escalation in Gaza, and, while we are thankful for the end to the violence, we are still waiting for the boom of peace and prosperity that many hoped would come to Gaza after the ceasefire.
We heard promises that the economy would grow, unemployment would decline, reconstruction would begin, and people would be able to move freely and live peacefully and safely. The last 12 months have shown little progress towards making any of these dreams a reality. In addition to the violent destruction of so much of Gaza, social welfare that helps tens of thousands of families to survive has also been frozen since May 2021, leaving many without funds to cover even their basic needs.
Deep scars
Islamic Relief was on the ground as soon as it was safe to do so following the escalation last May, providing medicine and medical supplies, emergency shelter and counselling to those impacted by the violence.
It was immediately clear that the escalation had left deep physical and psychological scars. We began working to repair some of the infrastructure and have so far refurbished 2 health clinics and 6 schools that had suffered damage. We have also repaired water and sanitation facilities at 27 other schools.
Islamic Relief was on the ground as soon as it was safe to do so following the escalation last May, providing essential aid.

More than 1,000 patients have received essential surgery, and thousands more have benefited from medical aid and equipment thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners.
We have helped 170 graduates find employment opportunities and supported 25 small businesses affected by the escalation to get back on their feet.
Our work in Gaza is changing lives for the better, but aid can only do so much. Only an immediate end to the blockade will give the people of Gaza a chance at the happy, healthy prosperous future that they deserve.
Until then, we will continue to stand with the people of Gaza, supporting them when they need us, for as long as they need us.
For 25 years, the generosity of our donors has made it possible for Islamic Relief to support vulnerable people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Help us to continue our vital work.
Donate now.

new director

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Nadeem Azhar

General Counsel

Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.

He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.

Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.

Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.

Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.

Adnan Hafiz

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Board of Directors
Javed Akhtar

Director of Finance

Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.

Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.

By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Board of Directors
Affan Cheema  

Director of International Programmes

Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).

Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance.  Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.

Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Board of Directors
Dr Hossam Said

Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.

At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.

During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.

Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Board of Directors
Martin Cottingham  

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.

Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.

Tufail Hussain

Director of Islamic Relief UK

Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.

A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.

Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Waseem Ahmad

Chief Executive Officer

Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.

With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.