Since October 7th, 2023, more than 1,540 Israelis and foreign nationals have lost their lives, with over 2,270 soldiers injured. In Gaza, the death toll exceeds 41,000, with around 95,000 injured. In the West Bank, nearly 700 have been killed, and 6,000 injured. Caritas also mourns the loss of 250 aid workers, two of whom were colleagues at Caritas Jerusalem.
Kirsten Sayers, Interim CEO at Caritas Australia said, “The one-year mark of this conflict is a bleak marker for us all. For the Israelis who have lost loved ones or wait for the return of those held hostage. For those in Gaza who have lost loved ones, their homes, and communities, and who continue to fight for survival under missile fire and against a lack of basic, life-saving necessities. We honour the lives lost with our prayers and hold the suffering of our brothers and sisters in the Middle East in our hearts.”
In the face of these challenges the Caritas Australia Gaza Crisis appeal has been supporting partners in the region as they assist vulnerable people. The tireless work of these partners has seen:
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156,232 people receive bedding supplies
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72,480 people receive tarps
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510 households receive tents
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5,000 households receive kits to seal their shelters
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115,716 people receive hygiene and dignity kits
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820,541 people receive food parcels through a partnership with the World Food Program
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170,022 people receive cash assistance and vouchers to purchase necessities
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Four church premises in Gaza supported to serve as temporary shelter locations for 650 people
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6,511 children engaged in recreation activities
Reflecting on the scale of the need, Kirsten Sayers added that “This should also be a sobering time for the international community. As a global family this endless suffering of the innocent – of civilians, many of whom are children, the sick, the elderly and vulnerable women – cannot be something we tolerate. In these dark times we must turn towards hope of a ceasefire, the safe return of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian access. We must also use our voices to build bridges between faiths, emulating the openness and kinship demonstrated by St Francis of Assisi.”
In a statement Caritas Jerusalem reflected on the theme of hope, saying that, “Amidst this suffering, we remain committed to our mission of peace and hope. We continue to advocate for an immediate ceasefire, the opening of humanitarian corridors, the protection of civilians and aid workers, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the freedom of Israeli hostages.”
“As Autumn brings yellow leaves, a harsh winter looms, threatening to deepen the suffering. Yet, we know that Spring carries hope. Our faith assures us that a new Spring is coming, giving us strength and empowering us to continue our mission. As Christians, it can be difficult to know how to respond to such overwhelming grief and anger. But, like the disciples who witnessed Christ's power over the storm, we hold onto faith, believing that peace can prevail even in the darkest of times.”
