Occupied Palestinian territory and Israel

Our work in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel

CAFOD is working with Christian, Jewish, Muslim and secular partners in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel to:

• Support Palestinian families in the West Bank to protect their means to a dignified life, especially through legal challenges to house demolition, land confiscation and violent attacks

• Provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance to those in desperate need due to the devastating impact of the conflict in Gaza.

• Support young people to develop their talents, engage actively in society, and work confidently and constructively to promote freedom of expression and respectful dialogue

• Stand in solidarity with all Palestinians and Israelis working for peace with justice.

In Gaza, CAFOD’s partners have been providing urgent humanitarian assistance:

• 160,000 households (approximately 800,000 individuals) have received food parcels.

• 9,000 individuals have received healthcare.

• 30,000 people have received bedding or supplies to help repair damaged buildings such as tarpaulins.

• 30,000 households have received cash assistance so that they can choose what is needed for their families.

• 7,000 people have received support for their mental health and wellbeing.

During his visit to the Holy Land in 2014, Pope Francis spoke of the “insecurity, the violation of rights, isolation and the flight of entire communities” and declared that “the time has come to put an end to this situation which has become increasingly unacceptable.”

At the same time, Pope Francis strongly condemned violence and terrorism, and called for peaceful coexistence between Jews, Christians and Muslims, and an end to all forms of discrimination based on race or religion.