On December 18, Palestinian Organization for Development (POD) implemented an art-related component as part of a broader project, carried out in an organized setting and in coordination with humanitarian partners. The activity was held in a public park in Gaza City and focused on engaging people living with visual impairments through structured artistic sessions. The sessions were designed to support participation, self-expression, and emotional balance within a safe and accessible environment. Participants took part in guided activities that encouraged interaction and communication, taking into account the specific needs of individuals with vision loss. Available estimates indicate that there are thousands of people living with visual impairments in the Gaza Strip, forming a significant portion of the population with disabilities. Visual impairments are estimated to account for approximately 15% of all disability cases in Gaza. This underscores the need for inclusive public spaces and targeted interventions that address the needs of people with visual challenges. By providing an organized space for creative engagement, this activity aimed to strengthen social participation and community interaction under ongoing difficult conditions. The approach reflects a practical, community-based effort to support inclusion and accessibility within broader humanitarian programming.

In response to the growing economic challenges faced by families in Gaza, the Palestinian Development Organization, in partnership with CRS, has launched the "Food Support" initiative. This program is designed to distribute essential grocery parcels to the most vulnerable households, providing them with basic food items and daily necessities that have become increasingly difficult to access due to the ongoing crisis. Through this partnership, the initiative aims to alleviate the financial burdens on families, ensuring that crucial food support reaches those who need it most. Each grocery parcel is carefully curated to meet the nutritional needs of recipients, offering a lifeline during these tough times. The "Food Support" initiative goes beyond mere relief efforts; it symbolizes a commitment to solidarity and resilience. By working together, the Palestinian Development Organization and CRS are not only addressing immediate needs but also fostering a sense of community and hope. This collaboration reflects a shared dedication to supporting those who are most affected by economic hardship, ensuring that they receive the sustenance required to maintain their dignity and well-being. Through this initiative, both organizations reaffirm their mission to provide aid that empowers families, helping them navigate the challenges of daily life in Gaza. The "Food Support" initiative stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring spirit of compassion, ensuring that no family is left behind in the face of adversity.

The Palestinian Organization for Development (POD) organized a specialized training for its field teams on the Sphere Minimum Standards for Humanitarian Intervention, as part of its efforts to enhance the capacity of those working in the field of humanitarian emergency response. The training, attended by more than 15 employees from various POD programs, covered the basic principles of the Humanitarian Charter and the minimum standards for providing assistance in the water, sanitation, food security, shelter, and health sectors. During the training sessions, trainers focused on developing participants' skills in applying the Sphere standards during crisis response. They also included practical exercises and case studies that simulated field realities, providing participants with the opportunity to interact and exchange experiences. At the conclusion of the training, POD affirmed its ongoing commitment to enhancing the efficiency of its teams to ensure a humanitarian response based on quality and human dignity, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international standards in all humanitarian interventions.

Amidst the crises and conflicts in Gaza, residents face significant challenges in accessing clean drinking water. The Palestinian Development Authority has implemented the **"Water for Gaza"** initiative to address the shortage of potable water during the ongoing conflict. This initiative aims to secure and provide clean drinking water to families affected by the current situation. Activities include distributing clean water via trucks equipped for water delivery to the most impacted areas, as well as providing water containers and purification supplies to ensure safe usage. The initiative also includes educational programs to guide proper water handling practices to maintain health and safety. The focus of the initiative is on the most vulnerable families, including those with damaged water sources or disrupted supplies. Through this effort, the Palestinian Development Authority seeks to mitigate the impact of water shortages and offer essential support to ensure that residents have access to safe and clean water during these challenging times.