In face of escalating crisis in Gaza and West Bank, CAFOD issues urgent call for “immediate, permanent ceasefire”
A leading UK Catholic charity has called for an “immediate, permanent ceasefire” in Gaza and the West Bank in the face of a radidly growing humanitarian crisis.
Ten months on from the 7 October attacks, Israeli actions in Gaza and the West bank have resulted in the deaths of more than 40,000 Palestinians and the region is now on the brink of famine, and the potential escalation of the crisis in neighbouring countries.
In a statement to the UN Security Council last month, the UK Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Barbara Woodward, said that the civilian death toll in Gaza is “unacceptable”.
“Peace will be sustainable only if both Israelis and Palestinians recommit to a renewed peace process resulting in a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian State – the undeniable right of the Palestinian people,” said Ambassador Woodward.
Following further Israeli attacks over the past few weeks that have resulted in many more civilian deaths, Catholic charity CAFOD has issued an urgent demand for an “immediate, Permanent ceasefire” to allow humanitarian aid to reach the beleagured region.
“CAFOD is deeply appalled by the catastrophic loss of over 40,000 lives in Gaza, predominantly women and children, in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas,” said Elizabeth Funnell, Country Programme Representative for the Middle East at CAFOD.
“As hopes for an imminent ceasefire fade, this tragic toll underscores the urgent need for peace. We demand an immediate, permanent ceasefire to halt further loss of life, allow critical aid to reach those in desperate need, and secure the safe return of hostages.
“The escalating violence in the West Bank, including deadly attacks on Palestinian villages, is equally alarming and must be addressed alongside the situation in Gaza. This violence against civilians violates basic human rights and exacerbates the crisis.
“Gaza is the most dangerous place in the world to be an aid worker but CAFOD’s partners, despite immense challenges, continue to deliver essential aid and support. So far in August, Israeli airstrikes in the West Bank killed at least one Palestinian every day, on average. However, their efforts are increasingly hampered by evacuation orders affecting over 86% of the Gaza Strip. The situation is dire, with food, water, shelter, and sanitation needs at critical levels.
“We call on the UK government and world leaders to support these humanitarian efforts and pursue lasting peace. As Pope Francis has said, ‘War is always a defeat for humanity.’ The UK must urgently leverage its diplomatic influence to demand a ceasefire and ensure accountability in line with international law.”
U.S. President Joe Biden, in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, also stressed the urgent need to conclude a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal and pointed to upcoming Cairo talks as crucial, the White House said.
According to the Reuters news agency, their call followed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s whirlwind trip to the Middle East that ended on Tuesday without an agreement between Israel and Hamas militants on a truce in the Palestinian enclave.
CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas International. Working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality.
https://cafod.org.uk/