Islamic Relief plans to carry out Qurbani distribution in Gaza for the year 2026. Our teams constantly monitor the situation on the ground and develop alternative plans and precautions to reach those in need as effectively as possible.[cite: 1]

Although the ceasefire reached in November slightly improved the security situation, Palestinians living in Gaza still face daily attacks and severe humanitarian deprivation. The Israeli occupation maintains strict control over aid entering the region, especially food. For this reason, trucks carrying aid are often kept waiting at the border for a long time or are completely blocked. This situation poses a serious problem for Qurbani distributions due to the risk of fresh meat spoiling.[cite: 1]

Furthermore, many families are still displaced, and some even lack cooking facilities. Electricity access is also irregular across Gaza. The activities of all humanitarian aid organizations, including Islamic Relief, are severely restricted due to these limitations. This situation is not limited to Qurbani distributions alone. Lifting restrictions on the entry of goods into the region is of vital importance for the people of Gaza to access the help they need.[cite: 1]

Qurbani costs in Gaza are higher compared to other regions due to the extraordinary humanitarian and logistical challenges in the area. Pricing is determined in line with detailed analyses conducted by our field teams. The determining factors are:[cite: 1]

• Prices in the local animal market[cite: 1]
• Type, size, and weight of the animal[cite: 1]
• Animal availability[cite: 1]
• Slaughter and processing costs[cite: 1]
• Transportation and logistics expenses[cite: 1]
• Border, import, and export requirements[cite: 1]
• Storage and cold chain needs[cite: 1]
• Security and operational risks[cite: 1]
• Distribution method (fresh, frozen, or canned meat)[cite: 1]
• Compliance with Islamic procedures and quality standards[cite: 1]

Our teams continuously monitor market conditions and the operational process to ensure that donations are used in the most appropriate way and provide maximum benefit to those in need.[cite: 1]

Since 2024, Qurbani animals have been procured and slaughtered in neighboring countries, then rapidly frozen and attempted to be delivered to Gaza in refrigerated vehicles.[cite: 1]

Unfortunately, in 2025, due to the Israeli occupation restricting entry into the region, Qurbani meat could not be delivered to families in Gaza. Instead, the meat was distributed to more than 412,500 Palestinian refugees outside Gaza.[cite: 1]

Prior to October 2023, Islamic Relief was able to carry out Qurbani distributions as planned, with necessary adaptations considering security conditions.[cite: 1]

Islamic Relief meticulously plans all Qurbani organizations. However, the current situation in Gaza involves specific challenges. Therefore, our teams continuously evaluate the situation and develop alternative plans so that donors can fulfill their religious duties and Qurbani meat can reach those in need.[cite: 1]

These efforts are an indication of our determination to support the people of Gaza, even in an environment where the Israeli occupation continues to block the entry of aid.[cite: 1]

Islamic Relief has been operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territories since 1997. Our teams on the ground and local partners continue to provide life-saving support throughout the crisis in Gaza.[cite: 1]

Ongoing activities currently include a project providing educational support to more than 100 displaced students and the Orphan Sponsorship Program, which has been continuing for many years. This program was rapidly expanded following the attacks on Gaza. As of the end of 2025, more than 24,400 children receive regular monthly support to meet their basic needs.[cite: 1]