Gaza ceasefire: what you need to know

The Holy Land holds deep significance for Catholics and people of all faiths. Now, after three days of negotiations, Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of the 20-point plan.

This comes as a moment of hope. After constant bombardment, a ceasefire will be a critical time to deliver urgent aid to families living through conflict. It will also enable the release of all remaining hostages.

Elizabeth Funnell, CAFOD Country Representative for the Middle East, said:

"Today’s announcement will bring immense relief to those waiting for news of their loved ones, and much-needed respite to Palestinians in Gaza. Today is a moment of hope and opportunity."

What has been agreed?

After three days of indirect negotiations in Egypt, Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of the 20-point plan. This comes two years after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023. The attack triggered a devastating Israeli military offensive in Gaza, which has killed more than 67,100 people, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. The Israeli security cabinet will formally vote on the first phase, with the expectation that they will approve. As soon as they’ve done this, the ceasefire will take effect.

This means that the Israeli military will partly withdraw, leaving it in control of about 53% of the whole of Gaza. Then Hamas must release 20 of the hostages believed to be alive and return the 28 deceased hostages. Hundreds of lorries carrying aid now need to urgently enter Gaza, where there are growing levels of hunger.

How can I respond to the crisis in Gaza?

Now we need to act together to get urgent aid to our neighbours living through this devastating conflict. Our local partners are on the ground and can continue to deliver life-saving support thanks to people like you.

What are we doing to help?

Our local Church partner is with families experiencing the devastation of conflict, providing urgent assistance.

Anton Asfar, Secretary General of CAFOD partner Caritas Jerusalem, said:

“All our colleagues in Gaza are overjoyed with the news, and they are very keen on helping all those afflicted by the war - the patients, the casualties and the grief-stricken in Gaza. In the coming phase, we are looking forward to rebuilding people’s souls in the Holy Land, and specifically in Gaza.”

CAFOD has been working in the Middle East for decades, across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Israel. Despite immense challenges, CAFOD’s local partners continue to deliver vital support to those in greatest need. 

Through the Church and community networks, which CAFOD’s local partners have, they are still able to respond in very difficult circumstances.

CAFOD’s local Church partner, Caritas Jerusalem, is operating medical points across Gaza, treating chronic illnesses, running pharmacies (though dangerously low on supplies), and supporting families mentally and physically through this crisis. The Caritas team is constantly adapting to changing circumstances and moving the location of their mobile clinics depending on where it's safest to operate.

Other local partners are providing food and shelter for displaced families. However, they report growing difficulty in sourcing food, with the nutritional value of meals declining sharply.

What has the Church said about the crisis in Gaza?

Cardinal Pierre Battista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and President of Caritas Jerusalem, said:

“It is good news, obviously. We are very happy. It is a first step, first phase. Of course, there are many others. For sure, there will be other obstacles. But now we have to rejoice about this important step that will bring a little more trust for the future.”

We invite you to keep your sisters and brothers in your prayers during this time.