How are communities coping with ongoing attacks and supporting each other in Gaza and in Lebanon? How are local actors responding to escalating crises through grassroots movements and local solidarity? 

Ground Truth Solutions (GTS) and Arab World for Research and Development (AWRAD) began speaking with people in Gaza about their priorities and concerns three months after the outbreak of the region’s newest war on October 7, 2023.  

In July 2024, GTS and AWRAD turned to these communities again, and gained insights through conversations with 1,248 Gazans, on their most pressing concerns, their priorities, and coping mechanisms. Their reflections revealed a powerful central theme: in the face of limited support, communities are doing what they can to help each other. Similarly, in recent weeks, as Israeli military strikes have created a worsening humanitarian situation in Beirut and southern Lebanon, local actors have stepped forward to respond to the growing needs of displaced people in Lebanon. 

We invite you to join our upcoming webinar that explores solidarity, self-help and grassroots action in Gaza and Lebanon. This discussion will highlight the resilience and self-reliance of these communities, focusing on how they are navigating systemic challenges through mutual aid.  

Speakers:  

• Dr. Tamirace Fakhoury | Associate Professor of International Politics and Conflict | Fletcher School, Tufts University 

• Amjad Shawa | Executive Director | Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO)  

• Dr. Zeina Mohanna | Executive Board member | AMEL Association International – Lebanon

• Georgios Petropoulos | Head of Gaza Sub-office | UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

• Samer Said | Director of Research and Evaluation and Gaza Emergency Response Team Leader | Arab World for Research and Development   

This event occurred in the past.

You can watch the recording.