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Officials and aid groups warn of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza, where 

 has already killed thousands of people and wounded and displaced many others. 

Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday, firing rockets from Gaza and infiltrating the country by paraglider, motorbike and boat. They gunned down Israelis in 

, including residential communities and a 

 for Jewish civilians since the Holocaust.  

Israel retaliated immediately, including by putting Gaza — which is home to 2.3 million Palestinians — 

, cutting off its supply of fuel, electricity and food. It has also unleashed heavy bombardments, reducing entire 

. Officials say about one-tenth of its total population is 

, since the only border crossing to Egypt is closed after being hit by Israeli air strikes. That also means basic necessities and emergency relief can't get in. 

The International Committee of the Red Cross 

 that "without electricity, hospitals risk turning into morgues." 

The United Nations, the U.S., and others have called for a humanitarian corridor to be established. Egypt, the U.S. and Israel are in ongoing discussions about that, Secretary of State 

 called on Palestinian armed groups to release all hostages and for all parties to respect international human rights law and stop targeting civilians. 

"We are faced with an explosive powder keg situation," he said 

. "We know how this plays out, time and time again – the loss of Israeli and Palestinian lives and incalculable suffering inflicted on both communities." 

As the world watches, many people may be looking to support humanitarian efforts on the ground. Below are some of the organizations doing that work. 

 about the Israel-Hamas conflict, so it's especially important to verify that your money is going to organizations that are legitimate as well as effective. 

 recommends searching charities' names alongside "complaint," "review," "rating" and "scam" to see if any red flags come up. Another red flag would be if their website doesn't have detailed information about its mission and programs, or if you don't get a receipt after donating. 

You can also run a search on one of several websites that review charities' track records, like 

To maximize the impact of your donation, prioritize giving to organizations that already have a presence on the ground and will stay involved in the long-term, 

Here are some groups that are providing aid

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Rachel Treisman

Author

Humanitarian groups are working to respond to the violence in Israel and Gaza. Here are some ways to help  — and avoid getting scammed. 

How to help humanitarian efforts in Israel and Gaza

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