Christian Aid reports food shortages in Gaza, overflowing shelters in Lebanon

Scene of devastation

Source: Christian Aid

Christian Aid's partners report food shortages in Gaza, overflowing shelters in Lebanon and relief operations at risk in Israel

International development and humanitarian charity Christian Aid has been told by its Middle East partners of the challenges they are facing as attacks continue across the region.

The agency is calling on the UK Government to work urgently to press for an immediate ceasefire to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis, and ensure that emergency aid can reach those most in need.

In southern Lebanon, Christian Aid partners said the displacement has been so severe that it is proving impossible to evacuate priority cases, such as older people with disabilities and chronic health issues, because there's "no space left in Beirut's shelters".

People in Gaza said they fear running out of food with most border crossings closed. The price of some goods has reportedly doubled since Saturday and items have disappeared from markets but Christian Aid's local partners - who have been working tirelessly over the last two years - remain operational. They are currently relying on established relationships with suppliers inside Gaza and for now, the banking system continues to operate, they said.

With attention elsewhere, reports of Israeli settler violence increased immediately in the West Bank following the launch of air strikes, according to Israel-based human rights group B'Tselem, a Christian Aid partner.

It said, under cover of the Israeli-American offensive on Iran, armed settler militias continue to launch organised violent attacks against Palestinian communities. It reports two Palestinian brothers from Qaryut village in the West Bank were killed on Monday when settlers started levelling a Palestinian olive grove in the village.

Meanwhile, Christian Aid partners in Israel are only able to work in a limited capacity due to emergency measures being in place in the country following retaliatory strikes. Palestinian Bedouins in the Naqab are particularly vulnerable due to very limited public shelters or infrastructure, compounded by the fact that Israeli nuclear facilities in this area may make it a target.

Christian Aid's CEO, Patrick Watt, said: "Innocent civilians are paying the price for international political failure in the Middle East. As an advocate of international law, the UK Government must reject the "might is right" approach to politics, and work to secure an immediate ceasefire so that humanitarian aid can reach those most in need."