Let’s stand together to support Palestine and Afghanistan after a catastrophic weekend

Over the weekend, we have witnessed heartbreaking catastrophes in two of the most vulnerable countries in the world: Palestine and Afghanistan. Gaza was rattled with rockets, which have killed over 550 since Saturday and an earthquake in western regions of Afghanistan has killed over 2.400 in the same time frame.

Throughout the weekend, rockets have been launched into the Gaza Strip, which is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is already dire with 65 percent of its population living below the poverty line 91 percent of Gazan children suffer from conflict-related trauma. The effects of an ongoing siege has impacted generations of Palestinians in Gaza and will continue to do so for generations to come if the humanitarian situation isn’t alleviated.

Even outside of the recent bombing campaign, the situation in Palestine remains dire, with the restriction of basic human rights, including access to clean water, healthcare, and education. Gaza, in particular, has been subjected to repeated military conflicts, leaving its infrastructure in ruins and its population traumatised.

Also on Saturday, a magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck near Afghanistan’s Herat on Saturday, leaving 2,400 dead, over 10,000 injured and hundreds of homes destroyed.

We’ve seen the impact earthquakes have on Afghanistan. During the last earthquake of June 2022, we saw the immediate impact the earthquake had on civilians, and we’re currently supporting people to stand back on their own two feet.

Those who lose their businesses and shops to earthquakes typically don’t have the financial means of rebuilding them. As a result, they’re left unemployed, which leads to them becoming homeless, thirsty, and hungry. They are left with no choice but to reside in overcrowded refugee camps, where they have little access to food and water, and disease is rife.

The people of Afghanistan are already used to a life of poverty and scarcity, but earthquakes mean that they’re stripped of even the most basic necessities. Prior to the recent earthquake, Afghans were just about surviving; however, the aftereffects have made the chances of survival a lot slimmer.

As Muslims, our faith teaches us the value of compassion, empathy, and solidarity with all of humanity regardless of who they are, where they come from and what they believe in.

It is our moral duty to support humanity in their time of need, regardless of geographical boundaries. The crises in Palestine and Afghanistan are stark reminders of the importance of standing together through charity.

One of the most direct ways to make a difference is by contributing to reputable humanitarian organisations that are actively working in Palestine and Afghanistan. Your financial support can provide essential aid, including food, clean water, and medical supplies, to those in need.

If Allah has put you in a situation to help, then it’s your moral duty to do so.

As you help, keep your intentions pure through the gift of God-consciousness. Keep the people of Palestine and Afghanistan in your prayers. Seek peace and justice for them in your duas and pray for an end to their suffering.