Conflict in the Middle East is devastating lives and they need our help now, says CAFOD

CAFOD has joined with 14 other leading UK aid charities, to launch the Disasters Emergency Committee Middle East Humanitarian appeal and raise vital funds to help those who are suffering.

Millions across the Middle East have fled their homes in search of safety over the past 12 months.  As winter approaches, they urgently need shelter, food and basic supplies. Gaza is on the brink of famine. 1 in 3 children below the age of 2 is already acutely malnourished. In Lebanon, the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in recent weeks is creating a humanitarian crisis.

 

“CAFOD has been working alongside communities in the region for many years,: said a CAFOD spokesperson.

“Our partners support local organisations on the ground, who are well known in the areas where they work.  Donations made to the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal will go towards supporting families in the region, who are living with hunger and disease, as well as injuries caused by the conflict, in an intensely challenging context.

“Our partners are helping these families right now as they arrive in safer areas, by providing emergency healthcare, food packages, safe shelter, hygiene kits, mental health support for children and families and cash to buy fuel, blankets and other essentials.”

There are 2.1 million Palestinians in Gaza, and almost the entire population face acute food insecurity.  Ninety per cent of the population are displaced.  More than 42,000 people have been killed.  Thousands of people in Gaza are dying from hunger and disease, as well as injuries caused by the conflict.  In Lebanon, over 1 million people (about 20% of the population) have had to leave their homes due to the conflict. Shelters are overwhelmed, and hospitals are struggling to treat the thousands of people injured.

“Our partners are continuing to respond urgently and they have been clear that, with more funds, they can do more to meet the desperate needs and provide essential items to their communities”, said Elizabeth Funnell, CAFOD’s Country Programme Representative in the Middle East.

£10 million pounds has been pledged by the UK government, to match-fund donations to the Appeal, launched by the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds, said: “Humanitarian support is urgently needed for the most vulnerable people. Charities play a crucial role in providing help to those most affected.”

Donations to the DEC Appeal can be made at https://cafod.org.uk/give

• 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. cafod.org.uk