Catholic Relief Services Responds to Devastation of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

After 11 days of war between Israelis and Palestinians last month which killed at least 12 in Israel and 232 in Gaza, a fragile ceasefire continues to hold. The intense violence has affected families across the Holy Land, but by far the greatest suffering is in Gaza, one of the poorest and most crowded corners of the world and a place from which people are uniquely unable to flee to safety. Besides killing over 200 Gazan civilians, the bombardments injured more than 1,200 and have destroyed and damaged many hundreds of homes, leaving tens of thousands displaced.

Catholic Relief Services has decades of experience working in Gaza. With its partners, CRS’ immediate focus will be to meet the needs of families displaced and affected by this crisis, as they seek safety, stability and the means to rebuild their lives. They are providing families with food and basic supplies through electronic vouchers with local vendors across Gaza. They are expanding their support of local health facilities with personnel, supplies, equipment and technical guidance to provide emergency health services. CRS and its partners are helping provide psychological first aid to Gazan children and adolescents through our online communication channels and in-person services. Finally, they are providing funding and technical support to families whose homes were damaged in the conflict.

Financial contributions are greatly needed for these efforts. To donate to CRS, please go to Donate to Gaza Crisis | Catholic Relief Services (crs.org). For more information, please read the Emergency Factsheet—Gaza Crisis Here and/or contact the local CRS office at 510-768-3176 and [email protected] .