NC Palestinians urge for more humanitarian help in Gaza as ceasefire begins

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Palestinians in the Triangle say the focus should be on the humanitarian aid needed in Gaza as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas begins.

Israel and Hamas accepted the first part of the ceasefire deal on Thursday.

Since then, humanitarian organizations have begun figuring out how much additional help is needed on the ground in Gaza.

For Palestinians in the Triangle, like Danyah Dahbour, the images of famine and destruction in Gaza serve as a reminder of why it's important to raise awareness about the help needed.

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"It's very evident that they are struggling," she said. "I'm not there. I'm not suffering, but I'm watching people who look like me and my family and my nephews, they're suffering."

Dahbour is the co-founder of NC Pali. The nonreligious, apolitical nonprofit says its mission is to educate the community about Palestinian culture and heritage.

Members of the Raleigh-based nonprofit say the focus should be on the help needed for Gazans to rebuild their lives.

"I think at a basic level, these are human beings and they don't deserve to starve to death or to withhold food and water," said Dahbour.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has worked as a neutral party during the conflict to facilitate hostage releases on both sides and provide medical and other humanitarian support.

ICRC spokesperson Steve Dorsey says a lot of their efforts have been toward providing relief to the mounting problems in Gaza.

"Basic things like infrastructure, power, fuel supplies, sanitation, and public health," he said. "The needs for aid and humanitarian assistance are immense in Gaza."

With the ceasefire underway, the ICRC is sending more volunteers and medical supplies into Gaza, and says more help is needed.

"Helping hospitals in the field, especially in hard-hit northern Gaza, get the kind of medical supplies, medicine, equipment that they need," said Dorsey. "Remember, the healthcare system in Gaza has essentially been obliterated."

Dahbour says part of that help can start here in the Triangle.

"The most that we can do here is to raise awareness as to what's going on so that people can do what they feel is best at their own level and what they're able to provide," he said.

NC Pali says those looking to help can reach out via its website to find out ways to donate directly to those affected in Gaza.

Gathergood NC is another local nonprofit that is supporting Palestinian students pursuing their education around the world. Find out more about their efforts here.

Find out how to help the ICRC's efforts in Israel and the occupied territories of Gaza and the West Bank here.