We have all been shocked and saddened by the devastating conflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Our local partners are actively responding and providing urgent humanitarian aid to those in need. Your donation today will make a massive difference to those caught up in the conflict.
What is the situation in Israel and Gaza?
There is simply no safe space in Gaza where 2.4 million people are packed into an area the size of the Isle of Wight. Over 1.4 million have been displaced. Over 16,000 houses have been completely destroyed.
Food and water are running out. Hospitals are dangerously low on fuel to keep generators running and ambulances are carrying up to 10 patients at a time to save on fuel.
The protection of innocent civilians must be the priority and is required by law.
CAFOD condemns the horrific killings and kidnappings led by Hamas and the scale of the Israeli government’s violent retaliation, which is causing more civilian deaths and injuries.
Airstrike on St Porphyrios Church hall in Gaza
We are shocked to hear from our partner at Caritas Jerusalem that a staff member along with her child and husband were killed when the hall adjacent to the St. Porphyrios Church in Gaza was struck on 19 October. Her sister and two children were also among the casualties.
Destruction following airstrikes on the hall adjacent to the St Porphyrios Church in Gaza.
How is CAFOD responding?
CAFOD has worked for many years in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) with partners who are Christian, Jewish, Muslim and secular and we join Pope Francis’ urgent call for peace and an end to the violence.
CAFOD has committed £100,000 from the Every Second Counts fund to support the response to this emergency in the crucial first few days. Your support will enable our partners to do more and to respond quickly and efficiently.
This has enabled our local partner, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to support 10,000 families with cash vouchers. Families are using these to purchase essentials like food and water as well as mattresses and bedding from wholesale suppliers in Gaza.
We have committed a further £50,000 from CAFOD's wider appeal to our local partner working in Khan Younis, Gaza, who are sheltering 300 people in their centres and are supporting them with cash assistance, food, water and offering counselling to those dealing with losing their loved ones, their homes and their livelihoods.
We have also released £10,000 to our local partner Sadaka Reut, working in southern Israel with local emergency support groups providing psychological support, basic humanitarian assistance and building emotional resilience.
CAFOD is continuously calling for an immediate ceasefire and seeks to protect civilians who have been affected by the conflict. We ask that you continue to keep all those caught up in this crisis in your prayers.
If you'd like to learn more about Every Second Counts and how a major gift can make a difference to communities living under conflict, please get in touch with the Major Gifts and Philanthropy Team at majorgifts@cafod.org.uk.