For the seven days of pause in hostilities since November 24th, 2023, our dedicated Caritas Jerusalem team, led by our medical consultant Dr Jihad Al Hisi, provided primary health care to the most vulnerable communities in southern Gaza.
Across the Gaza Strip, the Israeli bombing has destroyed more than 46,000 homes and otherwise damaged over 234,000 housing units. These constitute over 60 percent of the housing stock, as reported by the Shelter Cluster on November 24th.
Caritas Jerusalem Health Center in Gaza City has been exposed to partial destruction due to the shelling that took place in the surrounding area. The extent of the damage is currently under assessment.
Since the beginning of the truce, we have resumed part of our work in the Health Intervention. We have mobilized three medical teams to work in Khan Younis, Deir Al Balah and Rafah. Our teams worked very rapidly to clean and tidy up the space of the remains and the debris caused by the destruction. They assembled ad-hoc primary clinics to start receiving patients. Finally, we succeeded in providing the public with basic medical services such as medical screening, blood tests, and other medical assistance needed.
Despite suffering significant losses, our team members have shown unwavering determination in their heroic efforts. They have lost their homes and dear friends, and some have even lost close family members, yet they found the strength to go out into the field and provide aid to others. We express our heartfelt admiration and gratitude to them.
We are deeply saddened by the end of the truce. Our hopes and prayers are for a complete and immediate ceasefire so that the violence and suffering can come to an end.
(Source: Caritas Jerusalem)