Interpal works in partnership with like-minded charities both in Britain and overseas in distributing funds for the various projects. Strict audit trails are maintained with proper documentation required e.g. receipts, photographs, in order to ensure that funds are used for legitimate purposes. For this reason, Interpal does not deal with individuals and all of its local partners adhere to a Funding Agreement.

The Difficulties of Working in Palestine

Like many NGOs in the field, Interpal chooses to work with other charities and local partners in order  to maximize efforts and avoid duplication. Due to the volatile and dangerous situation in the Occupied Territories, it is far more effective to transfer funds to local authorised partners in the region and allow goods and supplies to be purchased within the area. It also helps to re-vitalise the local economy. In this manner, a Ramadan food parcel is not simply an aid package. As all goods have been locally sourced from Palestinian farmers, a Ramadan parcel has now become multi-dimensional aid.

As Interpal only has one office in the region, it is able to cover all of the areas through local contacts that otherwise would not be accessible from one central point in the region. Security risks and import restrictions in the region make it far more difficult and less efficient to send goods directly from overseas. Interpal’s local partners in the region also act as its eyes and ears on the ground, ensuring that funds are distributed to where the need is greatest.