Humanitarian Impacts of the War in Gaza on Basic Services (2025-2026)

Since the outbreak of war, Gaza has faced a profound humanitarian crisis due to the widespread destruction of critical water, energy and medical infrastructure. Partnering with the German non-governmental organization (NGO) Clean Shelter and building on work from the 2024-2025 project team, this year’s team worked to address immediate needs for clean water and shelter and to support long-term rebuilding plans.

Team members contributed to key elements of Clean Shelter’s work, including expanding the organization’s reach through strategic fundraising and media outreach, helping produce their 2025 Annual Report and supporting relief efforts that aided over 150,000 displaced Gazans, with 98% of surveyed residents reporting improved conditions in the camps for internally displaced persons.

Beyond gaining insight into how a modern NGO operates within a high-stakes humanitarian environment, team members deepened their skills in research, fundraising and cross-cultural teamwork. The team will continue partnering with Clean Shelter next year, aiming to broaden their impact and nurture a multicultural, humanitarian space at Duke focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.