Tell GoFundMe to stop blocking fundraising efforts for Gaza

Raise your voice now, Indiana Jones

As salaamu alaykum, Indiana Jones—

If anyone should receive expedited funds for desperately needed food, water, and medicine, it's someone in Gaza. But instead of offering streamlined services, GoFundMe is discriminately scrutinizing fundraisers for Gaza, resulting in delayed funds, returned funds, and, in some cases, deactivated accounts.

Tell GoFundMe to streamline funds to Gaza and to stop discriminating.

Because of Israel's embargo on international aid and the launch of the Israeli-U.S. Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has allowed murders of more than 1,000 Palestinians trying to access aid, crowdfunding has become one of the only ways for civilians to access funds to pay for the few overpriced goods left in Gaza.^1,2

Yet GoFundMe, the world's largest crowdfunding platform, has repeatedly shut down or restricted fundraisers for Palestinians, according to users and news reports.³

Reports reveal that although millions of dollars have been raised on the platform for the region, some fundraisers have been hindered by restrictive requirements, resulting in refunds and long waits for funds to be released.^3,4

For example, a mutual aid organization called The Sameer Project raised over $1 million to fund a camp for displaced people in Deir el-Balah that provides healthcare and essentials paid for through donations raised on GoFundMe.

GoFundMe shut down its page without explanation or response, despite the organizers providing detailed documentation on every initiative, accompanied by receipts and information on transfers.⁴

GoFundMe and other crowdfunding platforms have offered a lifeline of support for countless individuals in crisis and need. The platform should do better for the people of Gaza, who are facing forced starvation ever since Israel ended the ceasefire and blocked international aid in March 2025. Since then, the cost of basic goods has skyrocketed. In Gaza right now, 25kg (55lb) bags of flour are selling for $300 to as high as $500.²

Advocates, led by the Palestine digital advocacy group 7amleh and including MPower Change and dozens of other groups, are making these immediate demands to GoFundMe:⁵

• Reinstate legitimate Gaza-related fundraisers that were unjustly removed or restricted.
• Release withheld funds and donor lists to campaign organizers.
• Provide full transparency of verification and compliance processes, including disaggregated data by country and cause.
• End its discriminatory scrutiny of Palestinian-related fundraisers and apply its policies equally and fairly.
• Establish a clear and expedited appeals process for fundraisers serving populations in crisis zones, including Gaza.

GoFundMe should be helping mutual aid efforts succeed in distributing funds to people in desperate need, not hindering their efforts.

Tell GoFundMe to stop blocking fundraising efforts for Gaza.

Thank you for everything you do.

In solidarity,

Granate, Aydin, Zara, and the team at MPower Change

P.S. Want to support our work towards justice for all people, and against white supremacy and Islamophobia? Sign up for a recurring MPower Change gift now.

Sources: 

1. "Israeli forces have killed over 1,000 aid-seekers in Gaza since May, the U.N. says," NPR, July 23, 2025. 
2. "Gaza: Flour prices soar to $300 a bag after more than 50 days without new aid deliveries," ActionAid, April 24, 2025. 
3. "As Gaza starves, GoFundMe accused of blocking 'millions of dollars' raised | Israel-Palestine conflict News," Al Jazeera, June 26, 2025. 
4. "Palestinian aid fundraisers face hurdles on GoFundMe," Fast Company, July 1, 2025.
5. "GoFundMe Must Stop Blocking Lifesaving Fundraising Campaigns to Gaza," 7amleh, (accessed July 29, 2025).

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