Two local teachers are taking part in a 96 hour fast for Gaza to raise awareness and funds for Palestinian children who have been affected by the war and humanitarian crisis.

Conlaoth Rodgers and Dermot O’Kane are taking part in the fast in partnership with Rise for Palestine Derry and Gaza Ground Aid Ireland.

The fast runs from 12.30pm on Monday until Friday, March 6 at 12.30pm.

A fundraising page has been set up to support the initiative. Over £600 has already been raised.

Palestinians react as they wait to receive food at a soup kitchen in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on February 26, 2026. Despite a US-brokered ceasefire that entered its second phase last month, shortages remain in Gaza, whose battered economy and material damage have rendered most residents at least partly dependent on humanitarian aid for their basic needs. (Photo by BASHAR TALEB / AFP via Getty Images)

placeholder image — Palestinians react as they wait to receive food at a soup kitchen in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on February 26, 2026. Despite a US-brokered ceasefire that entered its second phase last month, shortages remain in Gaza, whose battered economy and material damage have rendered most residents at least partly dependent on humanitarian aid for their basic needs. (Photo by BASHAR TALEB / AFP via Getty Images)

“The number 96 is symbolic. It refers to Gate 96, one of the crossings into Gaza, which represents access to basic human needs such as food, clean water, and medical aid. Through this fast, we want to highlight how vital these essentials are for children’s survival and wellbeing,” the teachers state.

They point out that the ‘initiative is not political’.

"It is about children, compassion, and basic human dignity,” the added.

All funds raised will support humanitarian efforts aimed at helping children and families affected by the crisis in Gaza. Funds will be going directly to Gaza via RISE for Palestine and Gaza Ground Aid.

An adult comforts a weeping child during the funeral of a relative killed in an Israeli military strike, during the funeral in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip on February 27, 2026. Gaza's civil defence ministry said Israeli strikes killed at least five people on February 27, 2026. Violence has continued in the Palestinian territory despite a US-brokered truce that entered its second phase last month, with Israel and Hamas trading accusations of violating the agreement. Gaza's health ministry, which operates under Hamas authorities, has previously said at least 601 people had been killed since the truce began. (Photo by BASHAR TALEB / AFP via Getty Images)

Mr. Rodgers and Mr. O’Kane both teach at St. Cecilia’s College in Creggan.

Anyone wishing to support the fundraiser can do so at https://chuffed.org/project/170204-96-hour-fast-for-gaza

The men thanked everyone who has supported the fast to date.

According to the UN airstrikes, shelling and gunfire continued across Gaza over February 20-25.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported seven Palestinians were killed and 33 injured, bringing the total casualty toll since the ceasefire came into effect in October 2025 to 618 killed and 1,663 injured.

Derry teachers to take part in 96 hour fast for Gaza

Two local teachers are taking part in a 96 hour fast for Gaza to raise awareness and funds for Palestinian children who have been affected by the war and humanitarian crisis.

Sign up to our daily Derry Journal Today newsletter

Thank you for signing up!

Sign up to our daily Derry Journal Today newsletter

Sign up to our daily Derry Journal Today newsletter

Thank you for signing up!