DSPR - MECC Update 2025

An Update from our partner – Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) – Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

“The ceasefire was met with great relief and joy, for we prayed continuously and urged all our friends and partners to work for this achievement. Yet as people returned to their homes, they were confronted with the overwhelming devastation. Entire neighborhoods had been erased, and what were once broken homes filled with memories and love were now piles of rubble. But it’s obvious that the spirit of the people remains unbroken. They returned, and many could be seen clearing the rubble and remains of their homes, seeking to set up even the simplest shelter, a tent to call home amid the ruins.”

In Rafah DSPR has reopened their primary health center, which had been forced to close during the invasion to Rafah. Thankfully the building was not destroyed. though it requires repairs, medical equipment and medicine. The medical team some of whom had been displaced was reorganized and services have resumed.

Despite hardships operations were also continued at the clinic in Nusrat in the central area of the Gaza strip, staff distribution was adjusted to continue serving the community.

The temporary medical point established in Gaza city after the destruction of the clinics in Shejaiya and Daraj remains active.

Restoration work is also underway at DSPR’s main building in Gaza city, this will enable the two primary healthcare centers to reopen.

Alongside healthcare, DSPR teams have been actively distributing water, nutrients and providing psychological first aid to those returning from the south to northern Gaza.

Despite the ceasefire, Churches continue to house around 570 displaced Palestinian Christians, as their homes have been destroyed or lack of essential utilities like water and electricity. The Churches have access to water, communal kitchens and a safe place to sleep.

DSPR continues to support marginalized families through small-scale relief projects, focusing on food security and subsidized health services to ease their hardships. 

Send help and hope to the Middle East

Christian World Service stands with all those calling for immediate cessation of  hostilities and safe corridors for food to reach the Gaza population. We are fortunate have an 80 year relationship with the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR). In the face of the horrendous human disaster, we continue raising funds in Aotearoa New Zealand so that DSPR can continue to provide medical care, mother/child care, basic cash for purchasing food and water, and psychosocial support.

Our Response

Donations to the Middle East Emergency Appeal will support our local partner the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) to meet people’s urgent needs.

DSPR is providing:

• General medical and primary health care
• Food parcels and non-food items
• Unconditional cash transfers to families for immediate needs
• Hygiene kits and facilitating access to clean water
• Psychosocial support

DSPR also runs a clinic in Jordans Madaba camp that focuses on providing care for mothers and Children.