Over the weekend, Americans looking at their phones got the most jarring and horrifying news: on Saturday morning, Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups launched a surprise attack from the Gaza Strip against Israeli cities with thousands of rockets. They sent 1,000 gunmen into Israel to kill and kidnap civilians—the death toll exceeds 2,100 people on both sides. Americans are among those kidnapped. Later that morning, Israel fought back with rockets and airstrikes inside Gaza, and the declaration of war.
As UN Secretary-General António Guterres urges the world to focus on civilians from both sides, we've rounded up a few suggestions of ways to navigate the crisis and help support victims from the U.S.
- Save the Children, an international organization calling for peace talks, has sounded the alarm for 1.2 million children needing humanitarian aid. Donate here.
- Alliance for Middle East Peace, an Israeli and Palestinian coalition, said it is working to support emergency response teams. Donate here.
- The American Friends of the Parents Circle: Families Forum consists of 600 families who have lost a family member on either side of the conflict. The forum shares their stories to help foster peace. Donate here.
- IsraAID is an international NGO based in Israel. Its Emergency Fund rushes immediate and long-term aid to victims through local organizations. Donate here.
- The Carter Center is a humanitarian aid organization that condemned the targeting of civilians on both sides this weekend and believes in a two-state solution. It was formed by former President Jimmy Carter, his wife Rosalynn Carter, and Emory University. Donate here.
- The International Committee of the Red Cross helps conflict victims with humanitarian aid. It is asking for donations to supply water and other crucial support to victims. Donate here.
- The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Fund for Victims of Terror provides emergency aid for families in crisis. It’s an American charity headquartered in Jerusalem. Donate here.
- Doctors Without Borders is a neutral charity that provides medical aid. Donate here.
- The Palestine Children's Relief Fund gives medical and humanitarian aid to conflict victims in Gaza. Donate here.
- Project HOPE has emergency response personnel in Israel and Egypt working with local authorities, UN agencies, and civil society to coordinate aid for Israel and Gaza. Donate here.