UPA's Samer Badawi appeared live on CNN to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. UPA is trying "to overcome the trauma of the occupation and the repeated military strikes on the innocent civilians of Gaza," said Badawi.

According to the United Nations, "[t]here is no safe space in the Gaza Strip -- no safe haven, no bomb shelters -- and the borders are closed, and civilians have no place to flee." Making matters worse, few relief workers can get to the hundreds of thousands of civilians who remain helpless in their homes.

As Israeli forces continue to hinder passage of food, water, and medical assistance, UPA-supported volunteers in Gaza's largest refugee camp, Jabaliya, are going door-to-door to make sure families can eat. Through an emergency UPA grant, volunteers working with Relief International have identified 450 families who will receive direct food assistance during the three-hour cease-fire planned for January 9th and 10th.