CAFOD calls for halt in Israel and Gaza violence

Child in Gaza

CAFOD is calling for an immediate halt to the increasing violence against civilians in Israel and Gaza.

Mary Lucas, CAFOD’s Country Representative for the Middle East, said: “We urge the UK government, alongside its European partners, to apply pressure on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to end this violence immediately. Continued escalation will only harm the most vulnerable citizens on both sides of the border.

“It cannot continue that so many Israelis are living in such fear—the attacks on schools and homes are unjust, horrendous and must cease. Within Gaza, however, the situation is far less tenable. Gazans, as has been their experience in other violent escalations since the closure of their borders, will account for the vast majority of those injured and killed in this conflict. Local medical groups report more than 20 civilians killed and at least 500 injured in Gaza in three days of military strikes.”

CAFOD supports the recent call by the Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land for responsible leadership that is ready to work for justice and peace in Israel and Palestine. Mary Lucas said: “A new vision is needed for an alternative to this cycle of violence that divides and kills. Violence as a response to violence only breeds more violence.”

CAFOD also reiterates the vitally important message Pope Francis provided during his visit to the Holy Land this year: “For the good of all, there is a need to intensify efforts and initiatives aimed at creating the conditions for a stable peace based on justice, on the recognition of the rights of every individual, and on mutual security. The time has come for everyone to find the courage to be generous and creative in the service of the common good.”

Furthermore, in his meeting with the Israeli leadership, Pope Francis said: “Here I renew my plea that all parties avoid initiatives and actions which contradict their stated determination to reach a true agreement and that they tirelessly work for peace, with decisiveness and tenacity. There is likewise need for a firm rejection of all that is opposed to the cultivation of peace and respectful relations between Jews, Christians and Muslims.” (May 26, 2014)

CAFOD partners in Gaza warn that a continuing escalation in violence will bring devastation greater than that seen in the incursion in 2012. Gaza’s infrastructure and resources have been worn down to new levels in recent years, leaving its residents highly vulnerable to this violence. Already the stress on the healthcare system is seen, with the main hospitals in Gaza reporting some concern over insufficient levels of medication.

Mary Lucas said: “Gains made through CAFOD-supported projects which provide safe drinking water for poor families and which promote savings and self-help, rather than dependency on international aid, are in jeopardy. A peaceful resolution to this conflict needs to be found, and it is the Israeli and Palestinian leadership who are responsible for this.”

CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Across the world CAFOD bring hope and compassion to poor communities, standing side by side with them to end poverty and injustice. Download their quarterly Crisis Watch report here: www.cafod.org.uk/News/Press-Centre/Crisis-watch