Volunteering and Interning in Gaza, Palestine: In light of the current crisis in Palestine, it is natural to see the difficulties of the situation and feel the human urge to help those affected by the conflict and the ongoing occupation of Palestine by Israel. A volunteering role or an internship can be a great way to help the people of Palestine in Gaza Strip on the ground, whilst developing your skills and building the experiences to benefit your personal, professional, and/or academic lives. 

Palestinian Community Organizations 

There are many Palestinian community organizations that offer volunteer and internship programs in Gaza Strip with a focus on a wide range of topics. Notability, these topics include human rights, wellbeing of Palestinian children, women’s rights, media/journalism, teaching English, sports, medicine and healthcare, Palestinian refugees, and Palestinian culture.  

Why Palestine?

As previously mentioned, Palestine is a country that has had a particularly troubled history over the last seventy years (and more), so there are many refugees and disadvantaged people in the region in need of help. The country has a fascinating history with a rich Palestinian culture that has often been ignored and overlooked.

Furthermore, if you have an interest in learning Arabic, Palestine offers an excellent environment for it. The friendly locals are ready to assist you in your learning journey, providing a fully immersive Arabic-speaking experience. Additionally, Palestinians speak the widely recognized Levantine dialect, making it the most useful for foreigners to learn throughout the Arab world.

What is Gaza? 

The Gaza Strip is a slender stretch of land along the Mediterranean coast, bordered by Israel to the east and north, and by Egypt to the southwest. It is an integral part of the Palestinian territories and is home to a substantial Palestinian population, estimated to be around 2.3 million people.

Due to the Oslo Accords in 1995, Palestine, specifically the West Bank, was divided into three Areas: Area A, B, and C. Each area has a different administration in control. While Gaza is a part of Area A (which is under Palestinian control), it is not governed by the Palestinian Authority. To further understand the Areas of Palestine, use this link. 

Furthermore, Gaza is divided into five governorates and jurisdictions as of 2006, according to the PCBS (Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics). They are listed as follows, from north to south: North Gaza, Gaza, Deir Al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. 

North Gaza encompasses Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya, both designated as Area A. Deir Al-Balah, situated in its namesake governorate, is also under Area A. Gaza City (Ghazzah), in the Gaza governorate, is another Area A jurisdiction. In North Gaza, Jabalia is also included in Area A. 

In Khan Yunis, there is Bani Suheila and Khan Yunis city itself, both falling under Area A jurisdiction. And finally, in the Rafah governorate, Rafah City falls under Area A jurisdiction as well. The list provides an overview of the cities and their administrative arrangements during the specified period, to better understand the current situation of Palestine, particularly Gaza. 

Support Palestinian Refugees in Gaza

The Gaza Strip is home to a population of approximately 2.3 million people, which includes some 1.8 million Palestine refugees. Undeniably, for at least the last decade and a half, the socioeconomic situation in Gaza has been in steady decline due to a lack of resources and attacks from the Israeli occupation. 

The UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) provides vital services within the eight Palestine refugee camps in the Gaza Strip. However, the administration and policing of these camps are not within UNRWA’s purview; instead, this responsibility falls upon the host authorities. For those interested in making a positive impact, we highly recommend contacting UNRWA to inquire about internship and volunteer programs. Indeed, engaging with Palestinian children, women, and refugees in Gaza through such programs can contribute significantly to humanitarian efforts in the region.

Palestinian Refugee Camps in Gaza

This table introduces various Palestinian refugee camps in Gaza Strip, each with a distinct name and location. The Arabic names in parentheses add cultural depth, underscoring the diversity and resilience of Palestinian communities.

How Can I Prepare for an Internship in Palestine?

As noted before, Palestine has its own unique history and culture, so be sure to research the region and its customs before visiting. If you speak Arabic, practise using it and plan your route to whichever area of Gaza you will be visiting ahead of time.

Also important to remember is to pack your bags according to the current weather, bearing in mind that the winters can actually get quite cold and wet and summers are blistering hot! Once you have prepared properly, you will soon be ready to go!

How to Enter Gaza? 

There are no options currently other than the Rafah Border Crossing, controlled by Egypt, to enter or exit the Gaza Strip. Due to the ongoing war and siege on Gaza, entry to and exit from the Gaza Strip is currently extremely limited.

Volunteer and Internship Programs

Gaza Strip offers a variety of volunteer and internship programs. They cover important topics like human rights, teaching English, women’s rights in Palestine, supporting Palestinian refugees and children, journalism, Palestinian culture and politics.

The volunteer and internship opportunities in Gaza, Palestine are for a wide range of people, including students who study the Middle East and Arabic, people interested in politics, professionals, employees of human rights organizations, researchers studying Palestine and Israel, humanitarian workers, social workers, teachers, native English speakers, non-native English speakers, and anyone who wants to learn about Palestinian culture and daily life.

Charities and Organizations Working in Gaza

Below is a list of reputable charities and community development organizations that you can consider volunteering/interning with in the Gaza Strip:

1. Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders is an international organization providing emergency medical care worldwide, regardless of race, religion, or politics. With a strong presence in the Palestinian territories for the past two decades, they offer critical medical assistance to those who need it most. The organization received a 98% score from Charity Navigator, indicating high effectiveness.

2. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

ICRC is a humanitarian organization aiding those affected by conflicts globally. With employees visiting those detained in both Israel and Palestine, the organization strives to improve access to essentials like water and electricity. ICRC has not been rated by Charity Navigator due to its international focus. 

3. Save the Children

Founded after World War I, Save the Children is committed to protecting and assisting children in both Gaza and Israel. Actively working with the UN to negotiate humanitarian corridors, it has been aiding Palestinian children impacted by conflict since 1953. Save the Children received a 95% score from Charity Navigator. 

4. UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works to improve children’s lives globally. With staff delivering support in Gaza as much as possible, UNICEF received a 92% score from Charity Navigator, demonstrating its high level of effectiveness. 

5. UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East)

Established after the 1949 Arab-Israeli War, UNRWA provides direct relief programs for Palestine refugees. Operating in various regions, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and neighbouring countries, the organization serves millions of Palestinian refugees. Since Oct. 7, more than 270,000 refugees have sought shelter in UNRWA facilities.

6. Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS)

The PRCS is the humanitarian extension of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, operating in the Palestinian territories. They have consistently been bringing aid to Palestinians in Gaza affected by the current bombardment committed by the Israeli forces.

Summary

In conclusion, Gaza, Palestine, presents a very unique volunteer/internship opportunity for individuals from around the world to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Palestinian residents and refugees. This can be done through international and local community organizations such as Save the Children, UNRWA, UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Certainly, these volunteer and internship programs offer participants the chance to fully immerse themselves in the local Palestinian culture, learn Arabic, and actively engage with the community. Regardless of age or background, the Volunteer and Study Arabic in Palestine Program caters to a diverse range of interests and needs.

With a variety of volunteer and internship programs available in Gaza, Palestine, participants can explore their passions and gain valuable experience while working in an international setting alongside the people of Palestine. Beyond the rewarding work, volunteers and interns will also have the opportunity to travel around the area, visiting historical sites during their free time. Overall, participating in the volunteer and internship programs guarantee an invaluable volunteering experience that can enrich both one’s career and personal life, as well as the local Palestinian communities. 

Related Internship and Volunteer Programs

How To Get Further Information 

For more information, please visit our website: https://excellencenter.org/

Engage in Palestine: https://ecpalestine.org/

Study in Palestine: https://studyinpalestine.org/

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