Shaimaa, a 30-year-old woman in Gaza, has faced relentless hardships since suffering a debilitating stroke that left her paralysed on her right side and unable to walk. As if these challenges weren’t enough, she also developed epilepsy, making daily life a constant struggle. Shaimaa lives alone with her elderly mother, who is in her 70s and frail herself, adding to their household’s vulnerability.

During the current crisis, Shaimaa and her mother were displaced to a tent in Rafah, forced to rely on aid distributions for basic supplies. However, to receive this aid, Shaimaa’s mother needed to stand in line for up to six hours under the beating sun. One day, she collapsed from exhaustion. “That day, I thought we would both die for sure,” Shaimaa recalls.

Fortunately, they were able to access cash assistance, offering a glimmer of hope. With the 200 Shekels (approximately $50 USD) they received, Shaimaa’s mother could purchase essential medications, secure a comfortable mattress to prevent bedsores, and provide nutritious food.

“I wanted to die. I felt that I was a burden on my mother, unable to help her, unable to help myself. This cash assistance has given us the freedom to choose what we need, to buy it without having to fight our way through crowds,” Shaimaa shares. “It has restored a sense of dignity, hope, and control over our lives.”