CAFOD’s statement in response to Israel saying it will allow limited supplies of food into Gaza as it announces the launch of an intensified ground offensive.
Elizabeth Funnell, CAFOD country representative for the Middle East, said:
“Announcing a minimal drip-feed of supplies into a humanitarian crisis to deflect international criticism whilst launching a military offensive is not humanitarian aid. Aid must never be used as a political tool.
“Bombing and starving a population and restricting their access to aid is a violation of international humanitarian law.
“Thousands of trucks of aid are waiting at the border. The blockade must end, and rapid, safe and unimpeded aid must flow freely.
“It is appalling that the international community is standing by and letting people be slaughtered. They must stand up and show their commitment to protect communities who have endured so much for so long.
“CAFOD’s demand remains unchanged since the start of this crisis: an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted aid at scale, and a halt to UK arms sales to Israel. Our partners are committed to help and are doing what they can – they are ready to respond at scale to reach those in need when they can.”
The dangers facing CAFOD partners cannot be overstated. Over the weekend, airstrikes hit areas close to two medical points run by Caritas Jerusalem, which are providing vital primary healthcare to communities in urgent need. In response, partners are urgently reassessing the locations of their aid delivery points for safety — but their commitment to helping those in need remains unwavering.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is at breaking point, with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), supported by the UN, warning of an imminent famine.
A CAFOD partner running a community kitchen said:
“I am glad that our community kitchen is still producing some meals. It’s poor nutritionally due to lack of supplies, but better than nothing.
“It’s real starvation – they try to call it other things to make it sound better but no, all of us in Gaza are hungry at the end of the day.”
Despite overwhelming challenges, CAFOD’s local partners are continuing to help people on the ground. The main medical centre run by Caritas Jerusalem was closed due to safety concerns and damaged at the start of the crisis in 2023. Despite relentless bombardment and severe restrictions, the team has since rebuilt and successfully reopened the centre just last week. It provides primary healthcare services, such as maternal healthcare and malnutrition advice, as well as training health staff to be deployed around Gaza to reach to people who cannot access other health services. CAFOD partner Culture and Free Thought Association are providing essential food, education classes and recreational activities for children in Gaza.
Notes to editors
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
Rosalind Mayfield, CAFOD Media Officer
+44 (0)7856 799169
Jo Rogers
+44 (0)7969 083371
CAFOD’s out-of-hours media line
+44 (0)7919 301429
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.