CAFOD: 'Drip feeding aid into Gaza while bombs fall is not a humanitarian response'

Image: Caritas Jerusalem

Israel has said it will allow 'limited supplies of food' into Gaza, at the same time as announcing the launch of a major intensified ground offensive.

Elizabeth Funnell, CAFOD country representative for the Middle East, commented:

"Announcing a minimal drip-feed of supplies into a humanitarian crisis to deflect international criticism whilst launching a military offensive is not humanitarian aid. Aid must never be used as a political tool.

"Bombing and starving a population and restricting their access to aid is a violation of international law.

"Thousands of trucks of aid are waiting at the border. The blockade must end, and rapid, safe and unimpeded aid must flow freely.

"It is appalling that the international community is standing by and letting people be slaughtered. They must stand up and show their commitment to protect communities who have endured so much for so long.

"CAFOD's demand remains unchanged since the start of this crisis: an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted aid at scale, and a halt to UK arms sales to Israel. Our partners are committed to help and are doing what they can - they are ready to respond at scale to reach those in need when they can."

The dangers facing CAFOD partners cannot be overstated. Over the weekend, airstrikes hit areas close to two medical points run by Caritas Jerusalem, which are providing vital primary health care to communities in urgent need. In response, partners are urgently reassessing the locations of their aid delivery points for safety - but their commitment to helping those in need remains unwavering.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is at breaking point, with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), supported by the UN, warning of an imminent famine.

A CAFOD partner running a community kitchen said: "I am glad that our community kitchen is still producing some meals, it's poor nutritionally due to lack of supplies, but better than nothing.

"It's real starvation - they try to call it other things to make it sound better but no, all of us in Gaza are hungry at the end of the day"

Despite overwhelming challenges, CAFOD's local partners are continuing to help people on the ground.

The main medical centre run by Caritas Jerusalem, was closed due to safety concerns and damaged at the start of the crisis in 2023. Despite relentless bombardment and severe restrictions, the team has since rebuilt and successfully reopened the centre just last week. It provides primary healthcare services, such as maternal healthcare and malnutrition advice, as well as training health staff to be deployed around Gaza to reach to people who cannot access other health services. CAFOD partner Culture and Free Thought Association are providing essential food, education classes and recreational activities for children in Gaza.

LINKS

To donate to CAFOD see: https://cafod.org.uk/give?form=givetocafod

CAFOD: https://cafod.org.uk/