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Millions of people have fled their homes in search of safety. They urgently need shelter, food, healthcare and basic supplies.
The long-overdue recognition of Palestine is a statement that the UK government believes the Palestinian people should have their own, independent viable state. Concrete steps are now urgently needed to work towards this goal as quickly as possible in support of a more peaceful and secure future for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
Elizabeth Funnell, CAFOD’s Middle East country representative, says:
"Amidst the utter devastation and destruction we’re witnessing in Gaza, and the exponential increase in illegal settlements in the West Bank, the recognition of Palestine by the UK is an important act of solidarity in support of a political path to promoting rights, peace and security for all. The UK now must do all it can to ensure that a safe and viable Palestinian state becomes a reality.
"CAFOD has been working with Palestinian partners in the occupied Palestinian territory and with Israeli organisations working for peace for more than three decades. They are witnessing first-hand the impact of conflict and occupation on lives and livelihoods on a daily basis.
"Alongside an entrenched military occupation and a brutal conflict in Gaza, the total absence of a process towards a more peaceful future with justice and equality for all continues to be a cause of grief and despair for generations of Palestinians."
Our Israeli partner, Yesh Din, continues to document settler attacks against Palestinians in towns, villages and farming communities across the West Bank. They say these incidents have become even more brazen and fatal under the cover of war, destroying people’s lives while systematically pushing Palestinian communities off their lands.
Recognition for Palestinians can and must be more than symbolic. The UK government must now push for meaningful action with the rest of the international community, to achieve:
an immediate ceasefire, aid and strong reconstruction plan for Gaza with the views of the Palestinian people at its heart
a ban on UK trade with illegal settlements
measures to ensure accountability for violations of international law as a vital first step towards healing and reconciliation and bringing all perpetrators to justice.
In this context British recognition of Palestine could have huge value and serve to keep hope alive at a critical time.
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 part of an alliance of more than 80 organisations launching a new campaign Stop Trade with Settlements demanding a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including by major multinational companies and financial institutions sustaining the settlement enterprise, many of which are based or have headquarters in the UK.
With attacks intensifying on Gaza City, Pope Leo XIV has expressed his closeness to people being displaced. He went on to reiterate his call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, a diplomatic solution and respect for international humanitarian law.
Read more about CAFOD's response to the conflict in the Middle East
Our partners inside Gaza continue to show incredible commitment and organisation to keep work running. The Caritas Jerusalem medical point in Deir al Balah remains stocked with supplies and is providing medical treatment.
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.
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A prayer seeking God's help for the situation in the Middle East.