The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains desperate, following the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas that began on 28 October. According to the UN, more than 2 million people, half the population of Gaza, are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
Israeli shelling has caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and homes. Access to food, drinking water, and electricity is severely restricted.
The UN has called on the parties to the conflict to cease hostilities and allow humanitarian aid. However, negotiations for a ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful.
The Vatican calls for an immediate ceasefire
The Vatican has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. In a statement, Pope Francis expressed his “deep concern” about the humanitarian situation in the region.
The statement reads:
**”With deep concern, I follow the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, where violence has caused great suffering to the civilian population. More than 2 million people, half the population of Gaza, are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. Israeli shelling has caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and homes. Access to food, drinking water, and electricity is severely restricted.
I call on the parties to the conflict to end the violence and seek a peaceful solution to the conflict. I also call on the international community to commit itself to helping those in need.
The Catholic Church is committed to helping those suffering in Gaza. Through the Holy See’s Agency for Development Aid (APSA), we have sent humanitarian aid worth 100,000 Euros. This aid includes food, drinking water, medicines and building materials. We are also working with local organisations to distribute the aid to the families most affected by the violence.
I pray for peace in Gaza and for all those who suffer in the region “**.
Pope Francis’ statement is an appeal for peace and humanitarian aid. The Pope called on the parties to the conflict to “end the violence and seek a peaceful solution to the conflict”. He also called on the international community to commit itself to ‘help those in need’.
Next steps
The UN is working to organise an international conference to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Gaza. The conference will be held on 10 November in Geneva.
Pope Francis has also called for a prayer meeting for peace in Gaza on 12 November. The meeting will be held in St Peter’s Basilica.
