Caritas welcomes aid package for besieged Gaza
International
Caritas Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of a $10m aid package to support the World Food Program in Gaza.
The decision follows months of stifled aid routes and numerous warnings that the entire population of 2.2m is facing famine.
United Nations figures put the number of children at risk of dying of malnutrition at 3000. Caritas says to date more than 37,000 Palestinians and 1200 Israelis have died in the conflict.
Since the beginning of May the vital Rafah crossing has been closed, with disruption at Kerem Shalom during this period dramatically reducing aid volumes.
Prior to October 7, eight in 10 people in Gaza were reliant on aid to survive, with 500 trucks entering the enclave daily. In May this dropped to 100 trucks per day, some of the lowest levels so far in the conflict. Caritas Australia has 13 partners in Gaza which have continually expanded their operations, giving them the ability to redirect aid efforts in response to constant changes in military activity.
In May partners managed to support 2500 families in northern Gaza. Furthering this assistance is dependent on the protection of civilians alongside unimpeded, safe access across Gaza.
In the face of the overwhelming humanitarian challenges facing people in Gaza, Caritas Australia has echoed its calls for a ceasefire.
“We are pleased to see our government making financial commitments that support our brothers and sisters in Gaza, many of whom have spent months under bombardment, with little food, water, medicine or shelter,” said Damian Spruce, Advocacy associate director at Caritas Australia.
“This aid must be offered alongside our continued diplomatic efforts in pushing for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access, as well as adherence to International Humanitarian Law on all sides.
“We are eight months into this conflict, and from day one civilians, humanitarians and medical workers should have been protected. The harm being done to thousands of innocent people simply cannot continue.
“This commitment to Gaza must also be long term. It will take years to rebuild what has been lost, and many will need decades of support as they deal with the impacts of malnutrition on the development of their children, as well as life changing physical injuries and psychological traumas.”
To support Caritas Australia’s Gaza Appeal, visit caritas.org.au/gaza or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
Jump to next article
