How Basmet Amal Camp Provides Safety and Care for Cancer Patients Amid War

Norwegian People's Aid
Nov 29, 2024

How Basmet Amal Camp Provides Safety and Care for Cancer Patients Amid War


In an environment where war has targeted and destroyed medical infrastructure for the whole population in Gaza, it is undeniable that the most vulnerable among patients, like those with cancer are facing aggravated life-threatening conditions. Overcrowded hospitals, a shortage of essential medications and medical supplies, and deteriorating infrastructure have made treatment journeys nearly impossible. With the ongoing displacement and suffering caused by continuous conflict for the second consecutive year, the challenges have grown exponentially, placing extraordinary burdens on the patient’s families and confronting them with daily uncertainty, fear and hardships.

A safe haven

”Basmet Amal Camp” emerged as a safe haven from this grim reality, to offer cancer patients, their children and their families safe shelter in the middle of the war, as well as the care and hope they have been deprived of for too long. Located in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, “Basmet Amal Camp” was established by AISHA (Association for the Protection of Women and Children) in partnership with the Basmet Amal Association for Cancer Care in the first year of the war. The camp stands as an oasis of hope in a setting surrounded by trees and is shaded by protective canopies to shield residents from the scorching sun and provides essential living necessities, including two water wells—which has become an invaluable resource amid Gaza's persistent water scarcity and contamination issues derived from the war.