The Founding of Interpal

Interpal was founded within the new spirit of hope and regeneration brought about by the Oslo Accord in 1994. Its principal task was to provide relief and development assistance to a beleaguered population which had lived through harsh conditions resulting from over fifty years of suffering – especially during the last six years of the Intifada. Unemployment and malnutrition in the West Bank and Gaza Strip were on the increase, and the infant mortality rate was rising.

In order to ensure effective aid delivery, Interpal identified four main areas of concern.

• The desperate need for the provision of food for the poor and under-nourished
• Poor health and the lack of medical resources
• Desperate shortages in the provision of education due to poverty
• The growing need for rehabilitation facilities due to injuries or disabilities.

As a result of these issues Interpal then focused on providing Humanitarian, Health & Medical, Education and Community Development needs.


Responding to basic needs

The tragic failure of the Oslo Agreement, the ensuing heightened conflict and the restrictions imposed by the occupying forces created a desperate climate of deprivation and humanitarian need. The House of Commons - International Development Committee reported in the spring of 2004 that: “Rates of malnutrition in Gaza and parts of the West Bank are as bad as anywhere one would find in sub-Saharan Africa. The Palestinian economy has all but collapsed. Unemployment rates are in the region of 60-70% and many of those who are unemployed are dependent upon NGO’s or international relief organisations for employment.”


Effective delivery of humanitarian aid

Interpal’s commitment is to help alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in need by focusing on their basic requirements - food, clothing and shelter. Interpal recognises that effective aid delivery means responding efficiently and effectively to the changing needs of its beneficiaries. For this reason Interpal has focused on the provision of emergency relief including medical supplies, food, shelter and clothing. Seasonal support during the Ramadan and ‘Eidul-Adha periods have enabled Interpal to provide additional moral and financial support through the sponsorship of needy children, the disabled and poor families.