Overview

A fragile cease-fire between Israeli and Hamas in Gaza is giving Caritas a window to get help to those in need.

Israeli launched a military offensive on December 27th in response to Hamas and Palestinian militants rocket attacks on Southern Israel.

The scale of destruction to Gaza caused by the Israeli offensive is coming to light as Palestinian in the tiny strip of land leave their homes for the first time in three weeks.

Caritas medical clinics has been able to treat the sick in Gaza, taking some of the burden off hospitals that are struggling to deal with the injured.

A sixth of building were destroyed by Israel, including schools, homes, and medical clinics such as one Caritas ran in Al Maghazi.

The 1.5 million people in Gaza were facing an humanitarian crisis before the bombing began, with an Israeli blockade depriving people of food, medicine, electricity, fuel and employment opportunities. Four out of every five people in Gaza rely on outside aid to survive.

The psychological impact of the Israeli military action will be immense as families cope with the loss of fathers, mothers, and young children.

CARITAS GAZA APPEAL
  • Primary healthcare and out-patient care through Caritas medical centre, mobile clinic and medical points
  • Assist 4 of the Gaza hospitals through the provision of medicines and supplies, including 2 ICU ambulances
  • Food parcels to 4,000 families
  • Hygiene kits to 2,000 families
  • Financial support in the form of cash to 2,000 families and
  • Blankets to 1,000 families.

What Caritas is doing?

Caritas has launched a US $2 million appeal for Gaza.

As part of the appeal, Caritas aims to provide medical services through its centres and mobile clinic, assist four of the Gaza hospitals in dealing with the crisis, as well as the direct provision of food, hygiene kits, financial support and blankets to people affected by the crisis.

Despite an Israeli jet attack that destroyed a Caritas medical clinic and $10,000 worth of equipment, Caritas staff continued to operate, providing health care to the needy in some of the most unimaginable conditions.

Caritas is also working at the UN and with governments around the world to press for peace negotiations to establish a lasting end to the conflict.

In-Depth

Frequently asked questions
Historical context
Caritas Jerusalem
CRS (Caritas member in the US) work in Gaza
CAFOD (Caritas member in the UK)