CAFOD is working with Christian, Jewish, Muslim and secular partners in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel with the aim of tackling the root causes of poverty and humanitarian crises, protecting human rights, and contributing towards building more peaceful communities.
As conflict in the Middle East escalates, our partners are responding to the urgent needs of those affected
Millions across the Middle East have fled their homes in search of safety. They urgently need shelter, food and basic supplies.
Our partners are helping these families right now as they arrive in safer areas. Your donations will help with:
emergency healthcare
food packages
safe shelter
hygiene kits
mental health support
cash to buy fuel, blankets and other essentials.
CAFOD is working with Christian, Jewish, Muslim and secular partners in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel to:
Support Palestinian families in the West Bank to protect their means to a dignified life, especially through legal challenges to house demolition, land confiscation and violent attacks
Provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance to those in desperate need due to the devastating impact of the conflict in Gaza.
Support young people to develop their talents, engage actively in society, and work confidently and constructively to promote freedom of expression and respectful dialogue
Stand in solidarity with all Palestinians and Israelis working for peace with justice.
In Gaza, CAFOD’s partners have been providing urgent humanitarian assistance:
160,000 households (approximately 800,000 individuals) have received food parcels.
9,000 individuals have received healthcare.
30,000 people have received bedding or supplies to help repair damaged buildings such as tarpaulins.
30,000 households have received cash assistance so that they can choose what is needed for their families.
7,000 people have received support for their mental health and wellbeing.
“There are two things that make me continue this work. Firstly it’s the feeling that my work is welcomed by people and is useful to them. The second is working with a committed team who share my responsibility. Through my work I can make change. I feel lucky to have this opportunity.”
During his visit to the Holy Land in 2014, Pope Francis spoke of the “insecurity, the violation of rights, isolation and the flight of entire communities” and declared that “the time has come to put an end to this situation which has become increasingly unacceptable.”
At the same time, Pope Francis strongly condemned violence and terrorism, and called for peaceful coexistence between Jews, Christians and Muslims, and an end to all forms of discrimination based on race or religion.
Elizabeth Funnell, Country Programme Representative for the Middle East, comments on the news that Israel’s parliament has voted to ban the work of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA.
After a significant escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, the search for peace in the Middle East is more urgent than ever since the 7 October attack on Israel a year ago.
One year on from the 7 October attack by members of Hamas’ military wing and other armed groups, the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis has deepened every day.
Elizabeth Funnell, Country Programme Representative for the Middle East at CAFOD, comments on the escalating violence in Gaza and the West Bank.
This move is a critical step towards supporting the education, health and wellbeing of Palestinian refugees who rely on UNRWA's essential services.
“There is nowhere left to host the people now being displaced from Rafah," says Elizabeth Funnell, CAFOD's Middle East representative.
The UK government must exert every effort to ensure that this resolution is implemented. As Pope Francis reminds us, peace cannot be achieved through arms.
The International Court of Justice has issued an interim ruling today on South Africa's genocide case against Israel.
Over 1.9 million people have been displaced in Gaza since the conflict began, with many families having to move multiple times.
CAFOD has commented on reports of people sheltering within the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza being killed by sniper fire, and rocket fire shutting off the last generator powering a home for disabled people.
