Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jerusalem (Agenzia Fides) - As word spreads of the recent retreat of the Israeli Army from the Gaza Strip, Caritas Jerusalem renews its call for help and assistance for the suffering Palestinian people of the area.
“The recent situation, which escalated significantly in the last few days, has seen a dramatic loss of life, limb and property,” Caritas said in a statement on the destruction of the headquarters of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, dedicated to helping the injured. Caritas also mentioned the lack of drinking water and electricity that the inhabitants are suffering from.
Meanwhile, Caritas sources say, “the work of our medical center in Gaza continues,” as well as their work in mobile medical clinics, that venture out to the areas most in need. The availability of medicine and medical instruments continues to be “very limited,” says the organization that is working, thanks to support from CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development - Caritas England and Wales), in six medical centers and clinics along the Gaza Strip. Regarding their own commitment, Caritas recognizes the hard work of the staff in Gaza, “who are working under extremely difficult circumstances which at times are hard for all of us to appreciate. Even in the most difficult situations, our team works to continue providing health care to their beneficiaries. We remain committed to providing medical care in Gaza with a view to ensuring that our team remains as safe as possible and that no undue risks are being taken by them. This work is made possible by all of our partners and friends without whom we could not continue. To them, we extend our most sincere thanks.”
The organization renews their call to end violence and increase humanitarian aid to the people living in the area, who suffer the consequences of the conflict: death, hunger, misery, diseases, and indifference.
Caritas has taken measures to provide sanitary aid to the people in Gaza, where for over a month people have been suffering from a lack of first aid materials, water, medical assistance, bathrooms, and electricity (see Fides 25/1/2008), due to the closing of access. In a joined effort with the Church in the Holy Land, Caritas Jerusalem has asked the international community to reopen access to the Gaza Strip, allowing for the entrance of humanitarian aid. Their petition is united to that of the Patriarchs and leaders of the Christian Churches in Jerusalem, who have asked that, “in the name of God, end the siege on Gaza” (see Fides 24/1/2008). (PA) (Agenzia Fides; 3/3/2008; righe 32, parole 414)
