As a fragile ceasefire in Gaza enters its second month, Caritas Australia and partners remain committed to delivering life-saving assistance to communities devastated by years of conflict.
Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was declared on October 10, Caritas partners, including Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Caritas Jerusalem, have scaled up operations across Gaza.
CRS alone has shipped 126 trucks of supplies from Jordan and Egypt and reopened distribution points in Gaza City for families whose homes were destroyed. More than 346,000 people have received aid, including food, water, shelter materials, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support.
Meanwhile, Caritas Jerusalem’s Vehicle of Hope – a repurposed popemobile transformed into a mobile emergency health clinic for children – is set to support Gaza’s most vulnerable.
Further updates from Caritas Jerusalem reveal that daily life remains dire. While some food has returned to markets, prices are out of reach, with gas and medicine also critically scarce. Entire neighbourhoods lie in ruins, forcing families to endure winter in tents. Bombings continue nightly in areas like Shuja’iyah, described by colleagues as “the sound of obliteration”, levelling entire blocks.
“Inside the two churches, our colleagues and the sheltered families remain,” Caritas Jerusalem said in a statement.
“Their homes and cars were destroyed, but being alive and having the church walls around them offers a sense of protection that many outside do not have.”
Reflecting on the large numbers waiting to flee Gaza, the statement also said: “While these opportunities are important for their future, it is painful to witness an entire generation leaving Gaza with little expectation of return.”
Caritas Australia humanitarian manager Sally Thomas said the “updates are a reminder that conditions remain catastrophic”.
“Over 1.5 million people are living in makeshift shelters or the ruins of their homes. Families are bracing for winter without electricity, clean water, or adequate food. Children face malnutrition, untreated injuries, and trauma. Despite these overwhelming challenges, our teams and partners are working around the clock because every life matters.”
Details: Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal.
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Caritas Australia partners continue delivering lifesaving aid in Gaza (Caritas Australia)
