26/08/24

43,319 Palestinians have been killed.

92,743 Palestinians have been injured.

Over 1.9 million people—90% of Gaza’s population—are displaced, often multiple times.

96% of the population (2.1 million people) are projected to face crisis levels of food insecurity.

01/08/24

Caritas Australia has received news from Gaza of an attack on a hall attached to The Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza City. A potentially devastating incident was narrowly averted when a missile failed to detonate upon impact. The missile penetrated the roof and struck a room before reaching a hall full of civilians seeking refuge, leaving three people injured.  

Witnesses reported a shell falling from the ceiling, inciting panic and screams. A Caritas Jerusalem employee present during the incident, expressed profound relief saying, “Thank the Lord it did not detonate, otherwise we would have been left with nothing but remnants.” 

In a statement on the incident, Caritas Jerusalem expressed thanks to the Lord for protecting those seeking refuge in the church compound while reiterating that nowhere is safe in Gaza. Caritas Australia prays alongside them for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilian lives. 

The church compound comprised three buildings, one of which was destroyed in October 2023 with a funeral later held to commemorate the 16 lives lost. The church itself, which is the oldest active church in the city and one of the oldest in the world, sustained some damage to an outer wall in the October attack but remains standing after both attacks. 

17/07/24

The evacuated areas were the Elshafie’ Camp just 2km from the strikes, and the Elhayat Camp South of Asda’ Street 6km away. 

A total of 14 Caritas Jerusalem staff members were present across both medical points at the time of the evacuation.  

“Saturday, July 13th, 2024, was expected to be like any other morning for the medical teams at Caritas, who have endured 276 days of the war on Gaza. However, an incident in the Mawasi Khan Yunis area, home to two of our medical units, drastically altered the day” said an incident report received by Caritas Australia.  

Despite the area being designated safe for humanitarian aid, successive missile fire landed around the medical units, resulting in many casualties, including deaths and injuries to children, women, pregnant women, and the elderly.  

09/07/24

The Caritas network has received communications from The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirming that on the morning of the 7th of July, the Holy Family School in the North of Gaza was bombarded, causing serious destruction in the compound, and resulting in civilian casualties.  

The school, a property of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, was a place of refuge for hundreds of civilians whose homes were destroyed. Prior to the conflict, the Latin Patriarchate had described the Holy Family School, where 657 students were educated, as “the best school in Gaza, providing a high standard of education, cultural exchange, a Christian atmosphere and religious instructions for Christian children”. 

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem stated that it “condemns in the strongest terms the targeting of civilians or any belligerent actions that fall short of ensuring that civilians remain outside the combat scene”, adding that those sheltering at the school had “hoped against all odds that their families and children would be safe, but there is no safe place in Gaza”. 

10/05/24

Despite ongoing bombardments, displacement, loss and personal risk, our partners on the ground have continued responding to the exceptional humanitarian challenges in Gaza. Our Caritas network has 61 staff currently in Gaza. All are now displaced, with some living in Church compounds and others taking shelter in Rafah.  

Rafah previously afforded a crossing point between Egypt and Gaza but, with military action taking place in the region, aid routes were closed off as of Tuesday. In light of this deeply concerning development Caritas members are continuing to coordinate with each other and with governments, the UN, civil society organisations and others to respond in the rapidly changing context. 

As challenges increase, Anton Asfar, Caritas Jerusalem Secretary General remarked on the unique role Caritas holds within Gaza: “The trust that Caritas has within Gaza Strip is huge. We are not coming from the outside. We are coming from within…warmly welcomed by the community because they know who we are, what we represent, and the services that we are trying to provide.”

05/04/24

April 7 marks six months since the terrorist attacks which sparked the war on Gaza. During those six months, the world has looked on in horror as the Israeli military has ceaselessly bombarded the civilian population of Gaza, leaving over 30,000 dead including over 13,000 children. 

We continue to stand in solidarity with the civilians of Gaza and call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and unimpeded access to humanitarian workers. The people in Gaza must be protected, and the violence and suffering must end.  

03/04/24

Several Australian humanitarian agencies have collectively condemned the rising aid worker death toll in Gaza following the deaths of seven international aid workers killed while working for the World Central Kitchen.   

The agencies include Caritas Australia, Oxfam Australia, Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA, Save the Children Australia, ActionAid Australia, Plan International Australia, and Care Australia, as well as the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID).   

Australian Zomi Frankcom was one of the seven killed, making her one of hundreds of humanitarian workers killed by this conflict. The UN reports 174 of its staff have been killed since October, with some of the named agencies also mourning their own colleagues.   

The World Central Kitchen workers were part of an international effort to address the food crisis threatening the lives of millions of Palestinians, created by blockages to the supply of aid, especially in the North of Gaza. Between 1st and 29th March, the UN also reports close to 70 aid missions being impeded, denied, postponed, or withdrawn. Since October 7th, 348 health workers have also been killed and 155 health facilities damaged, with 13,000 children among the 32,623 fatalities.   

15/03/24

In a joint statement dated 13 December 2023, the prime ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand called for a ceasefire and peace in Gaza. On 15 February 2024, they reiterated the call, adding that they were “gravely concerned by indications that Israel is planning a ground offensive into Rafah,” which, they warned, “would be catastrophic.”

As members of the world’s second-largest humanitarian association operating in over 160 countries and as organizations that have provided aid in Gaza and the West Bank for decades, we, the Caritas agencies of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, acknowledge the importance of these statements and share the prime ministers’ assessment.

A month on, however, we are disturbed to note that Israel is not heeding their call to “listen to the international community,” and that the plight of vulnerable civilians in Gaza is worsening rapidly.

09/02/24

Sean Callahan, President of CRS, a Caritas Australia partner in the Holy Land, recently visited Gaza, Jerusalem, and the West Bank. 

CRS has 45 team members living and working inside Gaza, and almost all of them have been displaced once or multiple times during the conflict. They are now living in other people’s homes, crowded shelters, or in tents or under tarps.  

One told him “We cried for the first two weeks and then we went back to work. Doing things offers a sense of purpose.” 

Sean observed the output of this tireless work, touring a new warehouse in Gaza that used to be a supermarket. This warehouse has enabled CRS to distribute food, tarps and tents, bedding, hygiene supplies, and cash assistance to more than 100,000 people. To support governance a rigours registration process for those receiving assistance has also been established. 

31/01/24

In recent days, the UN International Court of Justice ordered that Israel must prevent possible acts of genocide in the conflict, but the report fell short of ordering a ceasefire – something humanitarians have repeatedly asserted the people of Gaza desperately need if they are to survive.  

This has been followed by the suspension of UNRWA funding from major Western powers following allegations against a handful of UNRWA employees.  

Following these developments Sally Thomas Humanitarian Emergencies Lead at Caritas Australia reflected on the peacekeeping potential of humanitarian aid, stating that “without adequate aid funding the humanitarian crisis will escalate, and more suffering could bring more tension to the Middle East as countries outside of Israel and Gaza react. Conversely, properly administered humanitarian aid that sees innocent civilians safeguarded can play a vital role in de-escalating conflict.” 

31/01/24

In recent days, major Western powers have suspended funding for the UNRWA following allegations against a handful of employees.  The UNRWA has around 13,000 staff working in Gaza across eight refugee camps, 22 health centres, and 274 schools. It delivers education, health and mental healthcare, relief and social services, microcredit, and emergency assistance to hundreds of thousands of refugees. 

Damian Spruce, Director of Advocacy at Caritas Australia said of the decision, “In any other circumstance the defunding of an organisation involved in the vital protection of innocent people because of the wrongdoing of a handful of people would be seen as heavy handed and disproportionate. If it were services being deployed to safeguard innocent people here in Australia, from our hospitals to the SES and our lifeguarding services, total withdrawal of funding would be met with warranted outrage. We would rightly expect that the individuals would be dealt with, and services would continue.” 

Spain has since vowed to maintain support, with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares declaring the support of the UN agency to be indispensable in helping to “alleviate the terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza.”  

16/01/24

After 100 days of conflict, Gaza is suffering from the worst current hunger crisis with the growing risk of famine, as it is home to 80 per cent of the global population at catastrophic risk of starvation and death.

Since the conflict began, over 23,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis have been killed, with over two thirds of casualties being women and children. At least 70 per cent of all housing in Gaza has been damaged or destroyed and only 13 of its 36 hospitals remain partially functioning. The Gaza Strip also remains under an electricity blackout. In the West Bank, thousands of people have lost their jobs or had work permits go unrenewed, with those that used to work in Israel also losing income sources as they can no longer cross checkpoints. 

Caritas Australia can confirm partner agencies are continuing to work on increasing their operational capacity, which includes establishing a new office in Rafah with an adjacent warehouse. Our partners are also working with an existing network of supermarkets, established as part of long-standing work in the region, with supplies being distributed from Rafah and Deir el-Balah. Work is also being undertaken with the World Food Program, leading to the distribution of 3,380 food parcels to families.

19/12/23

During the seven-day pause in hostilities from November 24th to December 1st, Caritas Australia partner agencies delivered primary health care to communities in southern Gaza.  

Three medical teams were mobilised to work in Khan Younis, Deir Al Balah and Rafah, with teams working rapidly to clear the debris from destruction and assemble ad-hoc primary clinics to start receiving patients. They successfully provided the public with basic medical services such as screening, blood tests, and other medical assistance as needed. 

Across the Gaza Strip, bombing has destroyed more than 46,000 homes and damaged over 234,000 housing units. This constitutes over 60 percent of the housing stock, as reported by the Shelter Cluster. A Caritas partner agency 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. 

06/12/23

By Sally Thomas, Humanitarian Emergencies Lead at Caritas Australia

Pre-October 7th the Gaza Strip was already one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with 2.2m people living in about 365 square kilometres. And while population density is not always problematic, it becomes a grave issue when impoverished people are struggling for survival amid conflict. In instances like this population density creates overcrowding, disease, and desperation. 

Prior to the most recent outbreak of violence, 8 in 10 people Gaza were already reliant on international aid, with an estimated 1.8 million people now internally displaced. Since then, humanitarian aid has been limited to around 3 per cent of pre-conflict levels, with bombardment having disrupted critical infrastructure. This lack of resources and infrastructure is now worsening the impact of overpopulation in Gaza, as people are forced to crowd together for access to limited necessities such as water, food, healthcare, and toilets.  

As evacuation orders roll out in the South, this situation will become even more desperate. On December 3rd, an area covering about 20 per cent of Khan Younis city was ordered by leaflet drop to evacuate. The potential population of this area is around 167,000, comprised of 117,00 residents from pre-October 7th and a further 50,000 displaced people. Those within this designated area of Khan Younis were asked to move to three towns, one just east of Khan Younis and two in Rafah. All three of these areas are already overcrowded. 

06/12/23

On December 3rd, an area covering about 20 per cent of Khan Younis city was ordered by leaflet drop to evacuate. The potential population of this area is around 167,000, with those people asked to move to three other overcrowded towns. This was the first of a series of planned evacuations that may last for weeks. 

Pre-October 7th the Gaza Strip was already one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with 2.2 million people living in about 365 square kilometres and 8 in 10 of those people already reliant on international aid. An estimated 1.8 million people are now internally displaced, with humanitarian aid having been limited to around 3 per cent of pre-conflict levels and bombardment having disrupted critical infrastructure. 

As evacuation orders roll out in the South, the humanitarian situation will become even more desperate says Sally Thomas, Humanitarian Emergencies Lead at Caritas Australia, “People are being asked to leave their homes in exchange for a temporary shelter where the demand on scarce amenities will be higher as displaced people flood in, and where reports of disease are also on the rise.” 

29/11/23

On the 27th November Caritas Australia held a virtual Service of Solidarity for the Holy Land, hosted by Mission Facilitator Michael McGirr. 

Michael began with an Acknowledgement of Country, and then shared of some thought provoking works from Palestinian artist Malak Mattar and Jewish artist Marc Chagall. 

The service acknowledged the difficult and complex events of the weeks since October 7th, reflecting with great sorrow on the loss of two Caritas employees and their families during that time.

Caritas Australia will host a virtual Service of Solidarity in recognition of the human suffering in the Holy Land, serving as a place for the community to come together in hope and healing.

All are welcome to the service, which will take place via Zoom on Monday 27^th November from 4:30 to 5:00 pm AEDT. Registration details are below.

The service will be led by Michael McGirr, Mission Facilitator at Caritas Australia, with guest speakers contributing prayers.

Michael McGirr said of the service, “In a time of deep sorrow and anguish for us all, we look for hope and healing. Let us come together in love, prayer, and support. Let us acknowledge the reality that impacts us all as we share messages of hope.”

16/11/23

Caritas Australia has today echoed a statement from Caritas Internationalis, which expresses deep concern about the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, and violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, unfolding in the Holy Land. 

In a statement Caritas Internationalis has reflected on the desperate severity of humanitarian need in Gaza and the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians, especially children. The statement drew attention to growing fears of wider conflict in the Middle East, noting the forced displacement of tens of thousands of people in southern Lebanon as an example of this coming to bear. 

The situation in the West Bank was also called out, with Caritas Internationalis stating that it is “deteriorating rapidly with increasing threats to civilian lives, restrictions of free movement, arbitrary detentions and widespread degrading treatment of Palestinian populations, as documented by the United Nations.”  

10/11/23

One month since the conflict in Gaza escalated to its current staggering levels, the crisis has reached a critical point, with violence claiming thousands of lives and leaving a population in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.  

Currently, approximately 1.4 million people have been forced to flee their homes, facing an alarming shortage of basic necessities. 

As the conflict persists, the toll continues to rise. Over 10,000 Palestinians and almost 2,000 people in Israel have lost their lives, nearly half of them children. Additionally, there are more than 25,000 people currently sustaining injuries.  

Ongoing bombardments have ravaged homes, hospitals, and essential water and sanitation infrastructure.  

To make matters worse, a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 11 October 2023 has worsened the situation, leading to critical shortages of food, fuel, and water, affecting around 1.4 million displaced individuals. 

09/11/23

A month into the conflict, with the death toll rising, we keep being told the situation on the ground is beyond our comprehension of suffering. Yet, hour by hour, conditions continue to worsen.  

As humanitarians, in circumstances like these, we rely on politicians to establish and maintain the access that enables us to help. If we look at the options – a pause, a ceasefire, a return to peace – these are political actions, not humanitarian ones.  

We are relying on the Australian government to put political pressure on international governments to enact these political processes in Gaza, and with immediate effect. Simply put, the support governments across the world extend to one another must be conditional, and cannot allow for attacks on innocent civilians, the bombing of hospitals, or the cutting off of food, water, and fuel.  

The departure from human dignity and human rights has now escalated to such a degree that a total end to the violence is the only way to stem the tide of suffering. This is what politicians must advocate for. 

08/11/23

A grim milestone has been passed, with over 10,000 deaths reported in Gaza since the outbreak of violence in the region on October 7^th, including more than 4,000 children. Upwards of 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed, with 240 still being held hostage in Gaza. 

Despite the uncertainties surrounding humanitarian access, Caritas Australia can confirm that over 9,000 households have been supported with cash assistance, essential supplies, and psychological first aid via partner agencies on the ground. 

Four churches have been established as temporary shelter locations for 1,200 displaced people. Partners are also focusing on winterisation with blankets, mattresses, and mats for about 1,100 households, as well as working to explore temporary shelter options. 

27/10/23

$15m in funding must reach millions of civilians facing multiple threats to life.

Caritas Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement of an additional $15m in funding to support those impacted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

We also strongly support comments from Hon Penny Wong regarding the essential nature of humanitarian pauses, as to date nowhere near enough aid has entered Gaza.

Women and children represent 68 per cent of the fatalities in Gaza since October 7^th.

Children make up around half the population in the region and are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, starvation, disease, and exposure to the elements. This is a major concern given 42 per cent of homes have been destroyed or damaged, and with food, water, and vital medicines in disastrously low supply.

26/10/23

Caritas agencies report that while we are still at the height of conflict with widespread bombing it is not safe to travel, but that a Rapid Response program is being prepared for launch as soon as it is possible.  

On 22 October, the Rafah crossing with Egypt opened for the second consecutive day, allowing the entry of 14 trucks carrying food, water, and medical supplies. This is equivalent to about three per cent of the daily average volume of commodities entering Gaza prior to the hostilities. 

Since the outbreak of the conflict, it is estimated that around 43 per cent of all housing in Gaza has been damaged or destroyed, leaving a population of 1.4 million internally displaced. The death toll has passed 5,000 with almost two thirds of these fatalities being women and children.  

21/10/23

The Caritas Confederation is in mourning after the devastating loss of a Caritas Jerusalem employee in Gaza.  

On the 20th of October 17 people tragically lost their lives while sheltering in The St. Porphyrios Church Hall in Gaza, with dozens more sustaining injuries. These numbers expected to climb as others are still under the rubble. 

The Orthodox Church compound was sheltering around 500 people, with around 80 in the Church Hall when it was hit. Among those in the hall were five dedicated members of Caritas Jerusalem's staff, along with their families. 

It is with great sorrow that Caritas Australia reports the loss of a 26-year-old Caritas Jerusalem lab technician who lost her life alongside her toddler and husband, with her sister and her two children also among the casualties. 

17/10/23

Before recent conflict sparked in the region, the humanitarian situation for people living in Gaza was already dire. Since 2007, Gaza has been under land, air, and sea blockade, limiting the movement of people and goods. As such, even before these attacks, 8 out of 10 people were reliant on international aid. 

In recent days the Israel government has launched hundreds of military air strikes across the Gaza Strip as a form of retaliation to attacks by Hamas. The UN reports that Gaza’s entire population has since been deprived of electricity, water, fuel supplies, food, and medicine.  

The immediate fear is that Gaza will soon run out of drinkable water, posing an immediate and catastrophic threat to life. It is feared that a lack of clean water will also impact sanitation, compounding an existing health crisis caused by the mass evacuation and bombing of hospitals in the North. Remaining hospitals in the South are struggling with dwindling supplies and overcrowding as they attempt to treat those with existing conditions as well as those injured by the air strikes. 

17/10/23

Following a series of surprise attacks against Israel by Hamas on October 7, hundreds of military air strikes have been launched across the Gaza Strip as a form of retaliation by the Israeli government.

The UN reports that Gaza’s entire population is being deprived of electricity, water, fuel supplies, food, and medicine. Ongoing bombardments and shelling have destroyed homes, hospitals and essential water and sanitation infrastructure with growing fears that Gaza will soon run out of drinkable water. Hospitals are packed with injured people and running desperately low on fuel and basic supplies.  

An estimated 1 million people have been displaced in Gaza with immediate food, shelter, health, and psychosocial needs. Even before these attacks, 8 out of 10 people were reliant on international aid.