CAFOD urges UK government to call for immediate halt on bombardment of Gaza

Photo by Emad El Byed on Unsplash

Source: CAFOD

Hundreds of people have been killed overnight in Gaza, and countless more injured, in waves of Israeli airstrikes. This is the most severe escalation since the January ceasefire deal and comes two weeks after Israel imposed a blockade preventing the entry of aid leaving the people of Gaza without sufficient food and essential supplies.

Elizabeth Funnell, CAFOD's Country Programme Representative for the Middle East, said: "CAFOD is appalled by Israel's renewed bombing of Gaza. A return to war will cause further suffering and loss of life - and may prevent the release of hostages.

"The UK government must urgently and unequivocally condemn the atrocities committed by Israeli forces overnight and exert all diplomatic pressure to restore the ceasefire and ensure the sustained delivery of much needed humanitarian aid.

"Furthermore, to support peace, the UK government must immediately halt arms sales in line with the International Court of Justice provisional measures to prevent their potential use in violations of international law.

"Our thoughts are with our partners who have been working tirelessly to provide support to the people of Gaza."

CAFOD's partner Caritas Jerusalem have reported that airstrikes have hit homes and shelters and a school sheltering displaced Palestinians. They have suspended all operation in Gaza, but continue to monitor the crisis, determined to resume life-saving services as soon as possible.

Caritas Jerusalem said: "We plead for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the bloodshed before more innocent lives are lost."

CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas International, working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality.

CAFOD's latest statements as this story develops will be posted on X/Twitter and Bluesky.

LINK

CAFOD: https://cafod.org.uk/