Since March 18, 2025, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated sharply. Under continued siege and the systematic targeting of infrastructure, shelters have been struggling with severe shortages of basic services, especially access to clean water and lighting — further deepening the suffering of displaced families.
In response to these urgent needs, a team of volunteers from the Palestinian Counseling Center (PCC), led by counselor Saja Al-Shami, launched the “Our Beautiful Gaza” initiative in Ard Al-Rees Shelter, located in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood in eastern Gaza City. The shelter currently houses around 200 displaced families, totaling 2,300 individuals.
The initiative was developed to directly address the lack of clean water and the absence of nighttime lighting in the shelter, which had been affecting both safety and well-being. The team installed two large water tanks and several LED lights throughout the camp to ensure better access to water and improve nighttime visibility. The initiative was carried out swiftly and effectively — completed within a single day thanks to the full commitment and coordination of the PCC team. The speed of implementation reflected both the urgency of the need and the deep dedication of those involved.
As soon as the tanks were installed and the lighting set up, people from the shelter began to gather. Counselor Saja Al-Shami took the lead in addressing the crowd, explaining the purpose of the initiative and how to use the water in a fair and efficient way to ensure that every displaced family could benefit. Her clear guidance helped manage the flow and avoid any confusion, creating a sense of shared responsibility and cooperation among the residents.
The scene was a powerful reminder that even under siege, community resilience and swift action can lead to meaningful change, especially when rooted in dignity and solidarity.
"Praise be to God who enabled us to do good. This initiative came from the real needs of the people. Thank you to the PCC for giving us the opportunity to serve those who are in desperate need of support."
- The Volunteer Team