Yesterday, a tragic incident happened near our inclusive community kitchen in Gaza City, where five dedicated staff members of Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children were injured due to a nearby airstrike that targeted a passing car. Among those injured were Hala, Khadija who have a hearing disability, Shaymaa, Abd Allah, and Mahmoud. The injuries were sustained by flying shrapnel and the power of the explosion. This difficult incident occurred as the team was finalizing the day’s last shift and preparing hot meals for distribution to the war-affected displaced families in urgent need.

These devastating moments of fear were traumatic for our team members with hearing disabilities, who experienced the bombing without the benefit of audible warnings. The shock and psychological impact of the incident were deeply felt by the entire Atfaluna staff with and without disabilities.

Our staff were carrying out their humanitarian mission with deep dedication to their community. Protecting aid workers with and without disabilities is a fundamental responsibility under international humanitarian law. It is to strongly highlight those workers with disabilities, who already face additional risks, must be granted safety within any conflict and crisis.

Atfaluna and many dedicated civil society organizations in the Gaza Strip are doing everything possible to help people in Gaza hold on to their dignity and survive these crisis period. We stand in deep respect and gratitude for our courageous team on the ground and remain firmly committed to reaching every person in need through inclusive and compassionate humanitarian responses.