Choose an amount
Can contribute towards a winter essentials kit in Gaza including blankets, quilts, shawls, sweaters and mattresses
Heavy rains and storms in early November flooded tens of thousands of tents in Gaza – washing away families’ shelters, destroying their few remaining belongings, and putting children at risk of illness and hypothermia.
Nearly 1 million displaced people in Gaza are now at risk of flooding over the next few months as winter sets in, according to the United Nations. Most of them are trapped in dangerously overcrowded camps or sheltering in torn tents or bomb-damaged buildings which offer little protection from winter’s harsh rains and cold nights.
Families report the new storm flooded tents with raw sewage, soaking their bedding and clothes and leaving many without anywhere to sleep. Children have to wade through flooded streets to get to school.
“In the past, we enjoyed the rain, gathering with family and friends under a warm roof. Now, we can’t gather anymore. Everyone is just running to protect what they can, to try to save their shelter from flooding,” Layla*, an Islamic Relief aid worker in Gaza says.
“Seeing people in hard and miserable conditions makes our hearts ache as all of Gaza is drowning. We don’t deserve to live in a cold nightmare like this.”
Working with our local partners, we plan to distribute tents and tarpaulins to families affected by the flooding.
This will form part of our annual Winterisation Programme, which helps vulnerable people in Gaza and around the world to keep safe and warm during the coldest months.
Last winter, we reached more than 89,900 people in 19 countries and territories with vital aid, including warm clothes and blankets, firewood and food parcels. Cash support is becoming an increasingly important part of our winter distributions as it enables families to buy what they most need.
In Gaza, distributing aid remains extremely challenging. Despite everything, our staff and partners are delivering daily aid and constantly reviewing processes and conditions on the ground to ensure your donations can reach people in need both safely and reliably.
Nearly everyone in Gaza is displaced. Many people are living in tents, crowded shelters or makeshift shelters on the enclave’s streets and beaches.
Despite the announcement of a ceasefire, families are grappling with ongoing attacks, shortages of essential items, and profound uncertainty around almost every aspect of daily life.
Winter brings added hardship as temperatures in Gaza can fall as low as 6 degrees centigrade at night, though wind and heavy rain can make it feel even colder. Flooding at this time of year can submerge tents with water and raw sewage. The winter months leave families cold, wet and at even greater risk of illness.
Israel continues to tightly restrict what can enter Gaza, resulting in massive quantities of aid being unable to reach those most in need and worsening the humanitarian situation as winter approaches. With winter bringing further suffering, the international community must urgently increase pressure on Israel to stop impeding aid.
Families are living in torn tents which cannot be replaced as more durable shelter materials are restricted. Gaza’s electricity supply has been cut off, leaving people reliant on generators – but there are severe fuel shortages, making it hard to heat homes or keep vital services such as healthcare running. The price of engine oil for generators has rocketed to $900 per litre.
To help vulnerable families prepare for and cope with the winter season, Islamic Relief will provide one-time unconditional cash assistance to displaced people in shelters across Gaza. This is in addition to plans to respond to the flooding of early November.
Recipients can use this cash to buy whatever they need most to get them through winter – things like warm clothes, heating materials like firewood and gas, and food parcels or medical bills.
Cash support is an effective, fast and dignified means of assisting vulnerable people. It allows them to choose the goods and services they need most; supporting their dignity while also promoting local economies. In Gaza, where the availability and price of items fluctuates daily, this flexibility is vital.
This also provides vital liquidity at a time when the crisis has destroyed people’s livelihoods and most people no longer have a reliable source of income – even when items are available in markets, many families do not have the cash to buy them.
We provide cash throughout our winterisation and other seasonal programmes, including our global Ramadan and qurbani distributions, in many countries around the world, but it can be particularly important in crisis contexts where markets and humanitarian access are disrupted.
We use an electronic payment system to distribute cash to the digital wallets of people in need in Gaza. These wallets work similarly to a mobile banking app. Instead of receiving physical cash through a distribution event, people we support receive the approved amount directly into their wallet and are notified once the funds have arrived. This process makes it safer for the vulnerable people receiving it, and means we can ensure the cash goes where it is intended.
The cash in the digital wallet can then be redeemed to buy goods at a wide range of local shops and businesses.
Many families in Gaza do not have smartphones or reliable access to electricity. Our cash assistance mechanism has been designed to operate in challenging humanitarian contexts, so people can access digital wallets without smartphones via simple SMS.
This payment system is already widely used by United Nations (UN) agencies and humanitarian organisations operating in Gaza and other emergency settings because it provides a secure, efficient, and accessible way to deliver assistance while reducing the risks associated with physical cash distributions.
Everywhere we work, including Gaza, we always prioritise the most vulnerable people. This includes the poorest families and marginalised or otherwise underserved groups such as older people, people with disabilities, widowed mothers, orphaned children and displaced people.
We are part of the UN cluster system, which ensures coordination between humanitarian organisations and helps identify people who are most in need. In Gaza, where effectively the whole population is in desperate need of support, we work with this system and our partners to identify shelters and communities we anticipate being worst affected by winter’s conditions. Within these, we’ll carry out assessments to ensure we provide support in the most effective and impactful way.
Despite the terrible suffering, Israel’s blockade remains in place, which continues to severely restrict aid, people, and goods from entering or leaving Gaza. This includes even basic essentials such as some medicines and shelter materials and prevents sick patients leaving for vital treatment. The restrictions on fuel also cause huge challenges for hospitals, water and sanitation systems, and humanitarian operations. Israel’s ‘dual-use’ list means that almost anything can be denied entry – sometimes this includes paper and pencils needed for schoolchildren and items needed for any kind of large-scale recovery and reconstruction. Tight restrictions have also been imposed on cash entering Gaza, creating a liquidity crisis which, along with the collapse of Gaza’s banking sector, is impacting humanitarian delivery.
The Israeli military has also expanded its full control of territory inside Gaza, restricting humanitarian work in many areas. Persistent violations of the ceasefire hamper relief efforts as attacks against civilians continue and humanitarian workers face daily risks in an unpredictable security landscape. Almost 600 aid workers have been killed by Israel’s assault on Gaza since October 2023, making it the most dangerous place in the world to deliver aid.
Recent Israeli legislation limiting the registration of international non-governmental organisations is also severely impeding the humanitarian response.
Islamic Relief staff and partners in Gaza are doing everything they can to keep delivering aid in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions. Our staff and partners are facing the same challenges as the communities we serve – they are also displaced, grieving and trying to feed their families. Every day, our team adapts its plans and activities depending on the latest security developments and what is available in the markets.
Despite the huge challenges, throughout this crisis they have continued to find a way to deliver vital aid.
Our plan to provide cash payments is based on the current security situation, humanitarian context, and operating environment in Gaza – all of which remain highly dynamic and unpredictable.
If the security situation, access, population movements, market conditions, or other operational factors change significantly in the coming months, we may need to adjust how assistance is delivered.
Our staff and partners will continue to closely monitor the situation and make any necessary adjustments to ensure assistance is delivered safely and effectively, while prioritising the wellbeing of affected communities, staff and partners.
Islamic Relief is working with other local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support people in desperate need in Gaza.
One key project is providing healthcare for pregnant women, new mothers and their babies. The women, many of whom are displaced, are receiving antenatal care services, vitamins and medicine.
We are also supporting eight temporary learning centres for displaced children who have missed years of school. We are rehabilitating and equipping centres, training teachers, and providing psychosocial support for traumatised children. Hundreds of primary and kindergarten-age children attend classes in a range of different subjects.
Your donations are helping families manage a crippling food crisis, making it possible for us to provide hot meals to displaced people and distribute canned meat.
We are also supporting over 25,000 orphaned children and their carers though regular sponsorship payments that enable them to pay for essentials such as food, shelter materials and healthcare.
Islamic Relief has been delivering aid in Gaza throughout this crisis and has been supporting Palestinians in need since 1997. We also continue to advocate for a fair future for Palestinians, and for an end to Israel’s illegal occupation which drives poverty and injustice and strips people of their dignity and fundamental human rights.
Please donate to our Palestine Emergency Appeal today. Despite huge challenges, through Islamic Relief your donations are still a lifeline for people in desperate need.
*Name changed to protect our colleague’s safety.
We will always treat your personal information with the utmost care and will keep it private (read our privacy policy). You can opt out at any time by contacting us via email at IslamicReliefWorldwide@irworldwide.org or by clicking the unsubscribe button on one of the emails you receive from us.
Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach.
As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.
Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.
Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.
Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO.
Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.
In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.
Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.
As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’
Saqeb Mueen
Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.
Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.
Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel 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
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.
Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.
Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.
In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Director of Global Family Development in 2025.
Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.
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.
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.
