CAFOD is calling for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, alongside the Catholic Church and other aid agencies. Following a dramatic surge in violence over the past two weeks, more than 1,000 people have been killed and over 2,500 injured.
CAFOD is responding to the crisis in Lebanon alongside local community groups and partners by:
supporting displaced families in Ein El Helweh camp (the largest Palestinian refugee camp in the country)
equipping shelters with basic provisions (such as food, hygiene kits, blankets and mattresses)
providing specialist support to women and girls at risk of violence.
Hombeline Dulière, CAFOD Representative for Syria and Lebanon, said:
“The situation is dire. Civilians are running out of safe spaces. More than 1 million people are displaced, with many sleeping in parks or streets due to overcrowded or restrictive shelters.
“It is difficult to keep hope in this situation; the needs are enormous. But the work our partners and community groups are doing to support those in need is extremely inspiring.
“We’re calling for an immediate ceasefire to avoid any further casualties.”
The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin, recently expressed harsh criticism for the US-led war, saying those involved should “leave Lebanon alone”.
Cardinal Pizzaballa, the most senior member of the Catholic Church based in Jerusalem, said:
“The abuse and manipulation of God’s name to justify this and any other war is the gravest sin we can commit at this time.”
Pope Leo recently made a “heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm”.
Notes to editors
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
Rosalind Mayfield, CAFOD Media Officer
Melissa Nethersole, CAFOD Media Officer
CAFOD’s out-of-hours media line
CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas Internationalis, working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice, including those worst hit by climate change. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality.
CAFOD is funded mainly by voluntary donations from people in the Catholic community of England and Wales. We also receive funding from fellow Catholic charities and development agencies, the DEC, trusts and foundations, and the UK and other governments.
