“In the face of the humanitarian challenges confronting the Palestinian people, Kuwait’s efforts shine through its effective contributions via charitable organizations. Supporting Palestinians is a deeply ingrained humanitarian principle in the hearts of Kuwaitis. Charitable associations collaborate to provide relief and assistance, alleviating the difficulties faced by this resilient population on their own land.” This came in an interview with “Al-Mujtama” with the CEO of Namaa Charity, Saad Marzouq Al-Otaibi.

Al-Otaibi added that Namaa Charity is an integral part of Kuwaiti charitable organizations, emphasizing continuous coordination between them and the benefactors to support those affected. He further pointed out the existence of future plans post-Gaza war, focusing on reconstruction efforts, hospital building, and providing psychological support.

Firstly, what is the role of humanitarian organizations within the Gaza Strip?

Certainly, the logistical impacts on the Gaza Strip are significantly tied to current events, affecting all aspects of life in the region, from infrastructure to roads and buildings, extending to administrative apparatus and organizational matters. This situation poses immense challenges for humanitarian work, which strives diligently to effectively reach those in need amidst these growing challenges.

This reality compels us to exert more efforts and collaborate with the humanitarian sector, aiming to provide all possible means to deliver aid and support to our brethren in Gaza. We must work intensively to ensure the effective delivery of assistance to the affected people, harnessing all resources to achieve a positive and tangible impact on the lives of those impacted by these difficult circumstances.

 It is premature, especially with the ongoing war, to talk about the reconstruction of Gaza, but have charitable organizations begun preparing for this phase?

 Talking about the reconstruction phase of the Gaza Strip represents a strategic and vital discussion, emphasizing the importance of exploring and discussing future plans. Currently, the region faces a severe shortage of logistical support. Establishing well-equipped warehouses and providing basic necessities is a central focus that requires immediate attention. Additionally, creating the conditions that facilitate the lives of individuals is a fundamental aspect of paving the way for the future reconstruction phase.

We reaffirm our commitment to the donors to provide humanitarian assistance and measure the effectiveness of our projects

There is also a challenge that requires joint attention between the humanitarian sector and governments. There must be collective efforts to provide basic services to alleviate the difficulties faced by the population and a shared effort to ensure the safe delivery of aid to those affected. This is a significant step, paving the way for the crucial reconstruction phase after the end of this war.

What challenges does the humanitarian sector face in Gaza?

The humanitarian sector faces significant challenges, yet effective coordination among relevant parties is a crucial step to alleviate these challenges. The efforts made by the Kuwaiti Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Social Affairs are leading this coordination, playing a prominent role in providing logistic support in collaboration with the Kuwaiti Air Force.

Through these collaborative efforts between charitable organizations and Kuwaiti relevant authorities, especially the Kuwaiti Air Force, an effective role is played in successful communication with the affected people in Gaza. Moreover, it contributes to facilitating the delivery of aid to the needy areas within the besieged sector on both the Egyptian and Palestinian fronts.

What are the main priorities after the end of the war in Gaza?

One of the top priorities after the end of the war is transitioning to the reconstruction phase. This requires organizing an international conference to cooperate in the reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the humanitarian and charitable sectors play a crucial role in the reconstruction, focusing on projects aimed at rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure.

Coordinated efforts between countries and the humanitarian and charitable sectors should involve identifying the actual needs in Gaza. It is advisable to send specialized teams to the field to provide accurate reports on the requirements and ensure that services are delivered in a way that meets the actual needs of the affected community.

Humanitarian associations rely on strategies to ensure providing aid to those in greatest need

Is there an assessment of the social and economic impact of the reconstruction operations carried out by “Namaa Charity” in Gaza?

For us at “Namaa Charity” in the Social Reform Society, we affirm our commitment to donors that we not only provide assistance but also excel in measuring the effective impact resulting from these projects. Accordingly, the “Namaa Charity” team will prepare special reports tracking the impact of the projects provided in the Gaza Strip. This measure will undoubtedly enhance communication with donors and provide them with a comprehensive understanding of how their donations impact supporting their people in Gaza.

Is there a clear plan to expedite the reconstruction of educational and health institutions?

At “Namaa Charity,” we believe that we have a crucial role in the post-war phase, especially in the reconstruction processes of the affected sectors, particularly the health and education sectors that were heavily targeted.

What is the role of charitable organizations in the coordination of treating patients and those injured outside Gaza, especially in cases that require it?

Special cases that have had to leave Gaza for treatment in neighboring countries, whether in Egypt or Jordan, deserve attention. At “Namaa Charity,” we have reached out to several specialized hospitals to support patients from Gaza, especially in cases such as cancer and other diseases that require special care. We aim to highlight these projects that need special support, especially after Gaza hospitals have stopped providing services for such cases. Patients have been forced to leave the Strip for treatment, and we will play a significant role in supporting these patients and providing them with the necessary care.

Undoubtedly, partnership is one of the pillars that “Namaa Charity” relies on in its work. Is there coordination between you and charitable organizations in the current and future phases?

“Namaa Charity” is a part of Kuwaiti charitable organizations and is committed to continuous coordination with benefactors to support those affected, especially those facing difficult humanitarian conditions, including the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip. “Namaa Charity” is also a member of the “Kuwait Society for Relief” and actively participates in coordinating with other charitable organizations with shared interests. This ongoing coordination focuses on providing assistance in current humanitarian conditions, considering the priorities of the post-war phase.

When the war ends, “Namaa Charity” aspires to play an active role in the reconstruction efforts, including coordination with relevant authorities and providing necessary support to our brethren in Gaza. These initiatives reflect “Namaa Charity's” commitment to contributing to improving living conditions for the affected population and enhancing cooperation with local and international relief and reconstruction entities.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Read the Article in Arabic