CAFOD strongly condemns Israel’s announcement to expand its military operations and seize large areas of Gaza

CAFOD’s statement on Israel’s announcement to expand its military operations and seize large areas of Gaza, a month after blocking critical humanitarian aid, after forcibly displacing 140,000 people in the last fortnight, and issuing forced evacuation orders yesterday for parts of northern Gaza.

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

“CAFOD strongly condemns Israel’s announcement to expand its military operations and seize large areas of Gaza.

“Any proposal to seize land and forcibly displace Palestinians is in violation of International Humanitarian Law and is unacceptable. Peace and security can only be achieved by ensuring accountability and by a return to dialogue.

“The resumption of fighting has already led to the displacement of large numbers of people, for many of whom this will be just the latest of many displacements. Palestinians must be allowed to return to their homes and rebuild. There can be no permanent Israeli presence in Gaza without breaching International Law.”

“We welcome today’s statement by FCDO Minister Falconer that there must be a return to dialogue, aid must be restored immediately and forced displacement is not acceptable. Given the risk of serious breaches of International Humanitarian Law, the UK Government should act urgently and decisively to suspend arms sales and take meaningful steps to hold Israel to account.”

"CAFOD partners tell us that they are terrified by the intensity of the renewed violence, with one partner from Southern Gaza saying: “Things are really catastrophic at all levels, it's scary and we can’t sleep at night. There is no food and minimal water which is hard to access because it’s far away. We are trying to help those fleeing Rafah. Those who have fled tell scary stories.”

Deadly Israeli air strikes reported in Gaza today

CAFOD’s church partner Caritas Jerusalem continues to respond to the urgent needs in Gaza including by offering mental health support to children in response to the immense psychological toll of the violence. However, even this work is not without risk. Earlier today, Caritas staff reported airstrikes close to their medical point in the Jabalia refugee camp. Ten days ago, eight members of the Palestinian Red Crescent were killed by Israeli forces whilst trying to reach wounded people in the south of Gaza. Aid workers are not a target.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is catastrophic. For the last month, Israel has completely blocked the entry of humanitarian aid—the longest closure since October 2023. On Tuesday, the WFP announced that they have exhausted their supplies of wheat flour, as a result their bakeries have shut. Hundreds of thousands of people are at risk of severe hunger and malnutrition in Gaza. Healthcare is collapsing amid critical shortages and water shortages remain an urgent concern. The number of deaths in Gaza has now surpassed 50,000 since October 2023, with 30% being children – UNICEF have reported that more than 322 children have been killed since Israel launched a renewed offensive in Gaza two weeks ago.