Palestine: How to provide concrete help from France in 2026
Since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, Gaza has become one of the most documented and intense humanitarian crises in the world. In 2026, the needs remain immense. Thousands of French people are asking simple questions: how can we truly help? Where can we donate reliably? And do donations actually reach their destination?
This guide provides concrete answers to these questions, using the latest available data from OCHA and UNRWA reports.
What is the humanitarian situation in Palestine in 2026?
The situation in Gaza remains one of the most severe in the world. According to UNRWA's situation report from March 11-17, 2026, between October 7, 2023, and March 11, 2026, 72,135 Palestinians were killed in the Gaza Strip and another 171,830 injured, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health as reported by OCHA.
A ceasefire came into effect on October 10, 2025. It allowed for a partial resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries. However, since late February 2026, following a regional escalation, Israel has again closed almost all crossing points. Kerem Shalom remains the only crossing point still partially operational for humanitarian and commercial supplies, creating a major bottleneck.
Needs in Numbers
According to the 2026 Flash Appeal launched by OCHA, 3.6 million people in Gaza and the West Bank require humanitarian assistance, and over $4 billion is needed to address these needs. Also according to UNRWA (March 2026), 46% of essential medicines and 66% of medical consumables are out of stock in Gaza.
Famine, officially declared in August 2025 by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), was lifted in December 2025. However, the UN warns that without a sustained increase in food aid, Gaza could fall back into famine in 2026.
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Image : photo of humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza, families receiving food parcels — alt : "Humanitarian aid distribution Gaza 2026 Life NGO"
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Why financial donations are the most effective form of aid from France
Many French people wish to send clothes, food, or medicine. This is a natural impulse. However, in the context of Gaza in 2026, logistical constraints and restrictions at crossing points make financial donations to an NGO on the ground far more effective.
Here's why:
- A financial donation allows the NGO to purchase products locally or in neighboring countries that are precisely suited to current needs, without international transport costs
- NGOs have networks of local partners who are familiar with supply routes and priority needs
- Funds can be mobilized within hours during an emergency, whereas sending material aid would take weeks
- Financial donations qualify for a 75% tax reduction for organizations like Life NGO, meaning a €100 donation actually costs you only €25
How to choose a reputable NGO to help Palestine?
In times of crisis, unscrupulous donation appeals can circulate. Here are the criteria to check before donating, in five minutes.
For a complete 5-step method, consult our guide Donating to an NGO: 5 criteria for choosing a reputable organization. And to understand exactly how Life ensures the transparency of your donations, our article NGO Transparency: How to verify the use of your donations details all available tools.
To better understand the civilian populations affected by these conflicts, our article Internally Displaced Persons vs. Refugees: Understanding the Difference and Taking Action lays the essential groundwork.
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Image : screenshot of Life NGO's reports page with visible financial ratios — alt: "Life NGO transparency financial reports Palestine reliable donation"
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What exactly does Life NGO do in Palestine?
Life NGO has been present in Palestine for several years. Its interventions cover several priority areas identified by its local teams and partners:
- Emergency Food Distribution : food parcels for displaced families
- Access to Drinking Water : water supply and repair of water points
- Shelters and emergency kits : tents, hygiene kits, blankets for homeless families
- Medical aid : support for healthcare facilities and access to medicines
All of Life's operations in Palestine are documented and can be viewed at life-ong.org/urgences/palestine. Life's donor relations team is available to answer all your questions about ongoing initiatives.
Other ways to help Palestine from France
Beyond financial donations, other forms of involvement are possible.
Awareness and advocacy
Sharing verified information about the humanitarian situation, relaying calls from reputable NGOs, or supporting advocacy campaigns helps maintain international pressure for access to aid. NGOs working on the ground need public visibility for their work to be supported.
Skills-based volunteering
If you have specific skills (translation, communication, accounting, logistics), you can contact Life's donor relations team to offer your help. Our guide on humanitarian volunteering in France explains all available options.
Regular donations
A monthly donation, even a modest one, allows Life to maintain a permanent presence on the ground, regardless of media attention. It is often between crises that needs are most difficult to fund. To understand why regular donations make all the difference for an NGO, read our article Regular vs. One-Time Donations: What's the Impact for an NGO?
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Image : photo of a Palestinian family receiving a food parcel from Life ONG — alt : "Gaza family food aid Life ONG humanitarian parcel 2026"
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