Even as welcome details emerge of the imminent release of more hostages, alongside news of other positive efforts to avert the collapse of the ceasefire, the agreement between Israel and Hamas is still fragile. More must be done to protect the deal, to ensure the continued delivery of life-saving aid and pave the way for a just and lasting peace.
Elizabeth Funnell, CAFOD’s Country Programme Representative for the Middle East region said:
“This moment of hope comes after an extended period of devastating loss in which more than 48,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed. The humanitarian crisis remains severe, with almost 2 million people still in desperate need of aid. Global leaders must champion international law and ensure that the opportunity to work for a future with peace, justice and stability is not squandered.”
The recent increase in the flow of essential supplies, such as flour and fuel that mean bakeries can operate, has been welcomed by CAFOD and our partners on the ground. One of our partners, Caritas Jerusalem (CJ), has also set up a temporary medical tent to provide urgent care and advice to those making the journey home. They are providing medication and support for those returning to Gaza.
At the same time, last week’s heavy rain and high winds exposed thousands of displaced people to cold and wet conditions. Families living in makeshift tents remain particularly vulnerable as there is a severe lack of supplies to repair and rebuild shelters.
‘I just want to focus on my work’
Many families remain within the compound of the Holy Family church in Gaza City. Caritas Jerusalem staff told us, “The church has sheltered hundreds of people throughout this crisis after their houses were destroyed or badly damaged. Being here provides a sense of stability and the basic essentials to survive whilst people repair their homes.”
Abeer who works for CJ and who has herself been displaced by the conflict said, “I miss the feeling of being in my own home... I miss the ability to just wake up and make a cup of tea.” She remains hopeful for a future beyond simply surviving and expressed a deep longing for a return to normality, "I just want to focus on my work. Nothing feels like working from the office."
‘We don’t know if we’ll be deported’
The ceasefire is a vitally important first step in restoring dignity, and to allow Palestinians to replenish food supplies, medicine and return to their homes. One partner told us they are now “able to sleep without the sounds of horrors and displacement.”
The UK Government must stick to its previous commitments and reject any proposals which seek to expel Palestinians from Gaza.
Nathalie, from Caritas Jerusalem describes the impact the emotional uncertainty is having on everyday life for civilians. “We don’t know if the war will continue. We don’t know if we’ll be deported, or if the crossings will open.”
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, movement restrictions are disrupting daily life, impeding access to essential services and worsening the humanitarian crisis. Settler violence against Palestinians reached unprecedented levels in 2024 and continues unabated, with homes set on fire and Palestinian communities harassed. Military operations, particularly in the north of the territory, have already displaced more than 20,000 people and are compounding the situation.
It is essential that the patterns of violence which have caused so much destruction in Gaza are not repeated in the West Bank.
Britain must also demonstrate leadership in the international community, to support recovery efforts at every level and ensure that the necessary conditions are in place for Palestinians to return to their homes and rebuild.
It is essential that any obstacles which threaten the implementation of the ceasefire agreement are removed, and that all parties honour the deal, which is only the beginning of a process towards justice and peace for all.
Notes to editors
For more information or to request interviews, contact our Media Officer Rosalind Mayfield (rmayfield@cafod.org.uk, +44 (0)7856 799169) or the CAFOD Press Office (pressoffice@cafod.org.uk) or CAFOD’s 24/7 Media hotline (+44 (0)7919 301429).
CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas International, 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.