Camp Ard Al Zaytoon was created through Operation Olive Branch’s community-funded direct aid initiative, built in partnership with Pal Humanity and overseen by a camp administration elected by the residents themselves.
The camp began in early 2024 as an expansion of OOB’s Perinatal Project, after surplus funds from that fundraiser made it possible to launch a safe family encampment for pregnant women, new mothers, babies, and medically vulnerable families. Shelters were constructed, along with sanitation systems that meet international standards, pit latrine bathrooms designed for cultural dignity, and a public well to ensure clean water access. Originally built for around 30 families, the camp now supports hundreds of displaced Palestinians.
In July 2025, the camp was forced to relocate after Israel occupied and evacuated the previous area, and the camp administration acted quickly to move everyone to a new location and keep families safe. Today, Camp Ard Al Zaytoon continues to provides shelter, food, water, medical care, electricity, WiFi, and community space. A school was also recently created in the camp by Teacher Elham El-Khateeb, approved by the Gaza Ministry of Education, and serving nearly 300 students with a dedicated team of teachers.
You can support the camp and the school through our GoFundMe.
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