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Photo: Kiss the soil….Displaced Palestinians return home after the Gaza ceasefire. (Al Jazeera photo)
The  ceasefire in Gaza, which took effect on Sunday 19 January, offers a desperately-needed respite in the ongoing conflict….personally, I refer to it as a crisis. 
Because although all Muslims hope for a lasting peace, the humanitarian crisis continues to devastate the region.
Prominent registered Australian charity AusRelief remains at the forefront of humanitarian efforts.
The organisation is dedicated to delivering aid, poverty relief and sustainable development to vulnerable communities worldwide.
Operating across Australia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and other trouble spots across the globe, AusRelief provides critical services such as emergency relief, food aid, educational support, housing assistance and health programs.
With a commitment to transparency and accountability, AusRelief collaborates with local and international partners to maximise impact and create sustainable solutions.
In response to the ceasefire, AusRelief Director and CEO Danny Mikati has expressed both hope and caution.
 “Very few CEOs would have to say a prayer before each attempt at contact, hoping their teams on the other side of the world answer,” Mr Mikati told AMUST.
“Searching for any sign of life indicated by just answering the call, responding to an email or message….it’s been 15 months of just that.”
Despite the current pause in hostilities, Mr Mikati remains wary.

AusRelief Director and CEO Danny Mikati.

“This ceasefire appears to be taking effect, yet the hell that was unleashed upon the population of Gaza following the announcement not only continued, but in many parts, escalated,” he pointed out.

AusRelief is taking proactive steps to address the immediate and long-term needs of those affected.
 “As an organisation, our role is to monitor closely and adapt to the ever-changing environment in Gaza, to be as resourceful and responsive as possible,” Mr Mikati explained.
He revealed that the organisation is already planning relief efforts.
“Planning has begun on supporting relief efforts in direct aid convoys through the borders, once and if they open.”
“We continue to focus on immediate medical, food, water and shelter needs, with a view to initiate the rebuilding phase – if indeed a ceasefire is properly adhered to.”
Assessing the scale of the challenge, Mr Mikati acknowledged the immense difficulties ahead.
“The resources needed for this are almost impossible to put a number to, but the loss, grief and trauma are immeasurable,” he said.
However, Mr Mikati remains inspired by the resilience of the Palestinian people.

For many years, AusRelief has been providing humanitarian aid in trouble spots across the globe.

“The Palestinians are the epitome of resilience and faith, so as they inspire us, we must also answer their call,” he concluded.

As AusRelief continues to mobilise resources and coordinate relief efforts, their commitment to supporting the people of Gaza remains steadfast.

 

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