JERUSALEM - 28 June 2007 - 400 words
Latest from Caritas in Gaza
Caritas Jerusalem is continuing its humanitarian
work under a very tense situation taking place in Gaza at the
present time.
Yesterday, clashes were taking place in the central Eastern district
of Shejayea and ten Palestinians have been killed with several
score injured in military confrontations with the Israeli army.
In response, Caritas is working to respond to the urgent need
for emergency medical care in the affected region.
"We are planning to conduct a health campaign in Shejayea
in response to the urgent need for health care in that area"
said Jameel Khoury, Caritas Jerusalem Health Department Manager.
He also pointed out that in the last few days the number of people
visiting our medical centre in the Al Shati' camp has risen significantly.
"We are working as normally as we can under the circumstances.
Thankfully, we have prepared ourselves for this situation and
have positioned medicine and items needed for the work of our
medical clinic and mobile medical care clinic."
Caritas Jerusalem is also operating six medical points to address
emergency medical needs in marginalized areas. "Thankfully,
these medical points are operating as we have planned them. We
have noted though during the recent problems in Gaza, it was too
dangerous for people to reach these places because of the danger
in the street" said Mr Khoury. However, today, they are operating
as envisioned giving urgent medical care to those in need.
Caritas Jerusalem is also working to respond to the urgent need
for food provision in Gaza. Through the Caritas Jerusalem Social
Service Department, we are currently assessing how best to respond
especially focusing on those who are the neediest and the poorest
of the people there. "We will be responding to these needs
to the best of our ability immediately" said Mrs Claudette
Habesch, Secretary General of Caritas Jerusalem. Our response
will be directed in coordination with other partners, relief agencies
working in the area and the Parish Priest in Gaza focusing on
non-refugee populations who receive support from UNRWA. She did
point out, however, that it is essential that the poor and vulnerable
people should not suffer and go without food and medicine even
under the current circumstances. "We must keep food, medicine
and supplies moving into Gaza even if doing so is not easy. We
cannot allow the situation in Gaza to worsen more than it already
is."
Source: Caritas Jerusalem
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