Early Response (Post-October 2023 - Late 2024).
The current period of intense work began following October seventh, which marked the first day of the crisis in Gaza. The situation became extremely difficult and dangerous at the start of the war, causing many initial team members to leave, though a core group remained committed despite the risks. Basic necessities like flour became extremely expensive, costing up to $1,000 or $1,200 per bag in the north. Many people risked their lives trying to find flour, and some were tragically martyred in the process. Ahmad’s own family, like many others, resorted to eating animal feed due to the scarcity of flour.
The Sa7ten team, along with thousands of other Gazans, were forcibly displaced from the north following a re-attempted invasion by occupation forces in November. The team relocated and helped construct a camp in Gaza City for displaced families.
April (2024): First Infrastructure Projects
Sa7ten's first project after the start of the war was focused on fixing or creating water wells in the north of Gaza. The team worked on around 10 wells, repairing some and rebuilding others, despite difficulties caused by the siege which made movement almost impossible and everything extremely expensive. Unfortunately, many of the wells built were systematically destroyed by the occupation forces when they entered an area. Initial bathroom construction also began during this early period, but like the wells, the initial structures were destroyed.
Emergence of Regular Food Support
After the initial focus on wells, there was a period where the price of flour became cheaper, allowing the team to buy and distribute flour and canned food. This marked the beginning of food cooking and distribution activities becoming a regular occurrence. The team started doing daily kitchens, though the siege was very hard, with a single meal costing $4,000 to $5,000 in the north due to non-existent or expensive supplies. Later, things started becoming less difficult compared to this initial period. The team launched over 150 activities during this time, including consistent kitchen operations.
Summer 2024 Challenges
Around June or July, the Sa7ten team was operating in an area that faced severe airstrikes, which led to some of the stored food being destroyed and team members' lives being put at risk. In an attempt to provide baby formula and diapers in northern Gaza, the team went out in groups of two to buy supplies, but the baby formula ended up being destroyed by occupation forces.
Late 2024 Initiatives
Following the forced displacement in November, a camp was set up in Gaza City. Sa7ten also established a bakery. As winter approached, the team conducted a winter clothing campaign to provide clothes for those who had to relocate from the north. Monetary aid was also distributed among people who had been forcibly displaced. The construction of bathrooms took place for the fourth time. Transportation for kidney failure patients who lacked access to necessary hospitals was also provided. The team stayed in places facing active danger because people there either refused or were unable to leave, focusing on catering to their needs.
