Editorial
The year 2025 ended in a context of unprecedented humanitarian crisis: the Gaza Strip, the scene of drama in which civilians are deprived of the basic means of survival.
Today, more than 80% of the population now depends on humanitarian aid: housing, health services, water and food supplies have almost completely collapsed, there are massive power cuts and infrastructure has been destroyed. The resilience mechanisms that remained in place until 2023 have been broken, and access to essential goods has been severely disrupted. Today, more than 2.2 million people remain in a situation of extreme vulnerability, and the collapse of urban and social structures is jeopardizing any prospect of sustainable recovery.
In this challenging context, the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (FSH) has had to step up its operations to alleviate the distress caused to civilians. This increase is not only a response to the situation on the ground, but also a s of our donors’ confidence in the effectiveness of our work with beneficiaries. The responsibility that our donors entrust to us every day has encouraged us to demonstrate the transparency they deserve by successfully obtaining ZEWO accreditation, a label that certifies Swiss institutions for financial transparency and the quality of their operations. Several associations around the world have placed their trust in us to benefit from our expertise, logistical capabilities, and official presence in the field. Our efforts in the field since 2009 reflect our deep-rooted commitment to humanitarian work in the region. Living conditions remain extremely difficult. Closed borders and logistical blockages are forcing our teams to step up our actions and distribution projects, including food, infant milk, hygienic produc , blankets, and tents.
Aware of these constraints, FSH is also working to improve its long-term effectiveness. Several areas for improvement have been identified for 2026:
- Increased digitization of the foundation’s management and project monitoring to further improve operational efficiency.
- Plans to open two operational entities in Spain and Belgium to further anchor itself in the European institutional landscape.
The current crisis in Gaza is a daily reminder that our humanity reveals the need for mutual aid and action by those who, throughout the world, are committed to solidarity with humanity. To those reading this today, I would like to express ly that FSH is a committed foundation, active in the field and rigorously transparent in its work. Our team works to ensure that every donation is respected, in the choice of projects, in their implementation in the field, and in maintaining the dignity of the beneficiaries. We are committed to supporting civilian populations in the face of natural disasters, armed conflict, and deprivation.
This work cannot be done without you. Because solidarity is what unites us, we will continue to mobilize every resource, every skill, and every partnership to respond to the human challenges we face with determination and humility.
Mahmoud Baroud,
Executive Director, Humanitarian Relief Foundation (FSH)
