Caritas – at the heart of Gaza

As the crisis deepens in Gaza, the Caritas family has intensified its efforts to address the needs of people in desperate need, including the sick and injured, children and the elderly. 

SCIAF is Scotland’s Caritas, a world-wide network of humanitarian organisations and part of the Catholic Church. 

Thanks to your donations, SCIAF has been able to support this programme, ensuring your donations go directly to those most in need in Gaza. 

Primary medical care has been the priority, with Caritas working to address the severe healthcare challenges the war has created. Despite these difficult conditions and the volatile situation, the Emergency Project has successfully met its objectives in the first phase. 

As well as health assistance, Caritas Jerusalem has distributed food, hygiene kits, shelter, and emergency relief and provided vital psychological support. 

In the first few months, the project has: 

• Reached a total of 27,540 people 
• Of these 12,684 people have had healthcare support 
• 3,047 households have been supported with cash transfers 
• 500 children have attended support groups 

SCIAF’s director of Integral Human Development Mark Camburn said:

“The cash assistance and primary health care services provided to residents in Gaza and the West Bank have had a significant positive impact. 

“The cash assistance has helped families cope with the effects of the ongoing conflict, particularly in meeting essential needs such as food, health, clothing, and shelter repair.  

“SCIAF is very proud to be part of this larger Caritas effort and we will continue to pray for a lasting peace in the Holy Land.” 

One beneficiary said:

"I am a widow and I thank you for the support that helps me buy what I need for the orphans. May God reward you with all good." Another noted, "We thank you for standing with us and we hope that you will repeat your assistance, which we are in dire need of in light of the current circumstances."  

Another said:

"Thank God, the service was excellent and provided the treatment we requested.”