Please don’t forget about Gaza

With all eyes on fresh conflicts in the Middle East, it’s easy to forget about the people of Gaza. But we cannot, as their pain and suffering continue. 

Our sister organisation - Caritas Jerusalem – has raised the alarm on what it calls the ‘rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and public health situation’ in the area. 

As if they have not faced enough already, there is now a widespread and unprecedented surge in rodents, posing a serious and immediate threat to public health. These rodents have become increasingly aggressive, with altered behaviour linked to feeding under the rubble. 

And where we find rodents, we find disease and indeed there has been a rise in infectious diseases, further endangering already vulnerable people. Waste management systems are also collapsing, forcing people to burn plastics which in turn release toxic fumes.  

The whole infrastructure is under immense strain and fuel shortages and inflated prices leaving people without energy in their homes and unable to operate what vehicles they have. 

Despite these challenges, Caritas Jerusalem continues to provide vital healthcare services through its medical centre in Gaza, including cardiac diagnostics and the treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Caritas continues to provide essential health care and medication and is experiencing significant increases in the number of patients seeking care as other sources reduce. 

Goods, including medical supplies, entering the Strip are still tightly restricted. Without immediate and sustained access, humanitarian needs are expected to further escalate. 

Please remember the people of Gaza in your prayers. They need them more than ever.