Donate to the Middle East Humanitarian Appeal
Millions of people have fled their homes in search of safety. They urgently need shelter, food, healthcare and basic supplies.
CAFOD partner Caritas Jerusalem delivering infant formula in Gaza. Credit: Caritas Jerusalem
The Holy Land holds deep significance for Catholics and people of all faiths. After a two-year war in this region, the ceasefire has brought a glimmer of hope.
The US-led 20-point plan outlines initial steps to bring an end to the fighting and there were joyful scenes as families were reunited following the release of hostages and detainees. The situation remains fragile, however, and there is uncertainty about how the more challenging parts of the plan are to be implemented.
What is the recent update on the ceasefire?
The ceasefire is a significant and welcome step. More than 67,000 people have been killed in Gaza, many of them children, and the ceasefire is essential in preventing more death and destruction. It is also the only way to ensure the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid.
However, the ceasefire is just the first step. Aid has not yet been permitted to enter at the scale that is needed and the humanitarian situation is catastrophic. There now needs to be the urgent entry of aid into Gaza without restrictions. Leaders must do all they can to ensure that Palestinians can play a central role in rebuilding their lives and communities.
How can I respond to the crisis in Gaza?
At this critical moment, your support is needed more than ever. Our trusted partners have continued to work in Gaza to give families practical help, despite the risks, but now we will be able to deliver practical help to many more of our neighbours in need.
Pray for peace
A prayer seeking God's help for the situation in the Middle East.
What are we doing to help?
A better world needs all of us. That’s why we will continue to stand with families as they overcome the devastation of war. Our Church partners are already on the ground, providing emergency food, shelter and medical care, plus mental health support.
Within the last few days, our partner Caritas Jerusalem has delivered 10,000 cans of baby formula to families with newborns and young children who have been struggling to feed them during the conflict.
These brave teams stand ready to scale up their work and help more of our neighbours.
We are working together with supporters like you to consistently provide life-saving aid to families living through this conflict.
What has the Church said about the crisis in Gaza?
The Church continues to stand with vulnerable families whose lives have been devasted by the war.
Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, urges all of us to “reaffirm our unwavering commitment to stand beside the people of Gaza as they begin the long journey of healing, recovery and rebuilding”.
Cardinal Pizzaballa reminds us that the road ahead is long and we need to provide practical support to our sisters and brothers who are now on the road to recovery.