Estonian Refugee Council distributes 1,400 meals in Gaza hospitals during first days of operation

16/09/2025
ERC's response in Gaza

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Last week, the Estonian Refugee Council began providing food aid in hospitals across Gaza City to support both patients and medical staff. Thanks to Estonian donors, 1,400 meals have now been distributed in Gaza.

“Despite ongoing airstrikes, evacuation orders, and damaged roads, we have managed to provide patients and medical staff with the food they need on a daily basis. The recent Israeli offensive has made the situation in Gaza even more challenging, but we are doing everything we can to continue distributing food aid in hospitals for as long as possible,” said Eero Janson, Director of the Estonian Refugee Council.

The Estonian Refugee Council is distributing food aid in collaboration with Gaza Soup Kitchen and delivering the necessary assistance with the support of Estonian donors. The aid has reached Al-Shifa Hospital, Al-Nasr Children’s Hospital, Al-Helou International Hospital, and Al-Ma’madani Hospital, supporting children, women, and patients who are malnourished, injured, or require long-term treatment. Food aid has been provided to patients and staff in the emergency, oncology, surgical, maternity, paediatric, and malnutrition departments.

People in Gaza have been living under extremely severe humanitarian conditions for nearly two years. Due to ongoing hostilities, mass displacement, and shortages of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies, the entire population of Gaza — over 2 million people — is dependent on humanitarian aid. The Israeli blockade limits the amount of aid that can reach the region.

One-third of the population is facing catastrophic hunger, often going days without food. The rest are living in severe food insecurity. Food prices have risen dramatically, leaving many families unable to afford the necessary food and other essentials for survival.

Do not look away. Help fight starvation.

By donating: 

  • 9 euros you can provide one Gaza hospital employee or patient a meal;
  • 45 euros you help keep five hospital employees or patients nourished for a day;
  • 90 euros you support 10 hospital employees or patients with meals;
  • 400 euros you help feed 45 hospital employees or patients.

Donations can be made via the Estonian Refugee Council’s website or by calling: 

  • 900 3803 – €25
Woman and baked goods

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