Popemobile becomes a vehicle of hope for children in Gaza
International
A popemobile which has been transformed into a mobile emergency health clinic for children is one of a wave of new initiatives to help the inhabitants of war-torn Gaza.
Caritas Australia and its partners are ramping up their operations in the Middle-East enclave to deliver life-saving assistance to communities in devastated by years of conflict there.
Caritas Jerusalem’s repurposed popemobile, named the Vehicle of Hope, is set to support Gaza’s most vulnerable inhabitants.
Updates from Caritas Jerusalem reveal that food prices are out of reach and gas and medicine scarce. Entire neighbourhoods lie in ruins with families enduring winter in tents.
“Inside the two churches, our colleagues and the sheltered families remain,” Caritas Jerusalem said. “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.
“While these opportunities are important for their future, it is painful to witness an entire generation leaving Gaza with little expectation of return.”
Since the most recent ceasefire came into place on October 10, Caritas partner Catholic Relief Services (CRS) 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.
Sally Thomas, Humanitarian Manager at Caritas Australia, 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,” she said.
“Children face malnutrition, untreated injuries, and trauma. Despite these overwhelming challenges, our teams and partners are working around the clock because every life matters.”
Caritas Australia is calling for continued support to sustain emergency operations and restore hope to families in Gaza, via its Gaza Crisis Appeal – caritas.org.au/gaza or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
