Amjad Shawa, Executive Director of PNGO
In Gaza, amidst the destruction and despair brought on by relentless conflict, my colleague, Mahmoud Hamada embodies the strength and determination of our community. Facing his nephew's battle with cancer, the loss of his brother, the ruins of his family's home, and displacement, Mahmoud's story is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of those working to preserve and sustain hope in the most challenging conditions. What’s happening to Mahmoud is not isolated, but the lived realities of thousands, with over 27,365 lives lost since October 2023, including more than 11,500 children and 8,000 women, as well as 66,630 injured.[1]
As the Executive Director of the Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO), living in Gaza, these stories of loss and courage are at the forefront of my mind every day. The numbers seen on TV and in the news are not statistics for me; they are my friends, family, neighbours, colleagues – and represent the profound human suffering endured by the people of Gaza. They fuel my commitment to aid and rebuild, to offer a glimmer of hope to our people when they need it most.
We, as local leaders, are deeply committed to responding to our communities needs with compassion and understanding. Mahmoud, despite his profound losses, has continued his crucial work at PNGO without pause. He stayed in Gaza for two months, without a home, then fled south to Khan Yunis and later to Rafah – and still he worked. From overseeing the network's operations to initiating essential coordination efforts with United Nations agencies, international organisations, and the Joint Humanitarian Aid and Coordination Committee (JOAC), his efforts have been focused on ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most efficiently and effectively.
I can tell you, also, of Samaher Abu Rakab, a coordinator for humanitarian aid at the Agricultural Relief Association. Despite mourning the loss of her cousin and a friend— tragically killed in an airstrike along with their families — Samaher put aside her grief to continue her crucial work.
The dedication of Mahmoud, Samaher, and countless other local leaders highlights the critical importance of local involvement and leadership in shaping humanitarian responses. With so few actors currently in Gaza, it is essential we are supported to continue our work to deliver not only food, water, and other essential supplies but also documentation of ongoing violations, medical services, and psychological support. Above all, we offer a sense of solidarity and preservation in the face of so much loss. We offer hope.
This commitment, however, comes at a significant personal cost. The neglect of our own well-being, our own family as we prioritize the needs of our community is putting extra pressure. Recent discussions around the role and challenges faced by humanitarian actors in Gaza highlights the complexities of operating in conflict. It is of vital importance to distinguish between the political dynamics and the humanitarian values that guides the work and engagement of local leaders and their organizations like ours. Being victims of the conflict does not compromise our effort; rather, it deepens our understanding of the needs and vulnerabilities of our community.
I strongly urge the global community to acknowledge the indispensable role of local leadership in Gaza. We seek support, not only in terms of aid, but also in recognition of our ability to lead local responses, serve our communities, and contribute to decisions concerning Gaza's present and future. It is vital that donors and international humanitarian actors allocate resources directly to local NGOs, ensure our participation in decision-making processes and response coordination efforts, and provide targeted support for mental health and well-being programs for frontline workers.
Reflecting on the resilience of Palestinians and the efforts of local civil society, I see hope amidst the conflict. Our ability to mobilise quickly, our knowledge of needs, and our direct connection with those most vulnerable – these are invaluable strengths that must be leveraged and supported in the response. We need this support to ensure that the spirit of people like Mahmoud Hamada and Samaher Abu Rakab are not in vain.
Mr. Amjad Shawa is the Director of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organisations Network (PNGO), in the Gaza Strip since 1999. Amjad has a B.A. in Business Administration and Marketing and a Master of American Studies. He also has a professional Diploma in teaching deaf children in Gaza and worked as a teacher of the deaf from 1992 to 1999 and as a part-time correspondent for the Jordanian news agency Petra since 1996.
He is deputy commissioner general of the Independent Commission for Human Rights and a board member of many NGOs; he is involved in many advocacy campaigns and mediations in Palestine, also a co-founder and board member of many NGOs. Amjad participated in many international and national events and conferences; he has many published articles on human rights and civil society issues.
[1] Israel-Gaza war in maps and charts: Live tracker | Israel War on Gaza News | Al Jazeera