Alistair Dutton, general secretary of Caritas, has expressed “deep concern” about the ongoing war in Gaza (Palestine) and Israel and announced that the organization has been forced to “suspend its activities” for security reasons, but “has “prepared an emergency plan to offer help” to staff.
A statement from Caritas Jerusalem, shared by Dutton on 9 October recalls that in Gaza more than 123,000 people have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict, according to updated data from the United Nations. He also notes that “the situation is critical for civilians on both sides.”
Hamas Islamic terrorists declared war on Israel. They have killed hundreds of people and taken dozens hostage since launching a full-scale invasion against Israel last weekend. Israel responded with a major offensive against the Gaza Strip.
Caritas Jerusalem, which serves the needs of people in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem, reports that some of its staff are among those displaced. For this reason, there was no alternative but to suspend its activities.
“One family sought refuge in the Holy Family church in Gaza, another found shelter in a UNRWA [UN Palestine Refugee Agency] school, but unfortunately their home was completely destroyed. In addition, another family moved in with a relative whose house was also completely demolished,” he details.
In the midst of this context, Caritas Jerusalem announced the launch of the so-called Gaza Staff Support System, called “Together Putting Love into Action” (TPLA), an initiative that seeks to provide assistance to colleagues settled in Gaza “who face extremely challenging and complex circumstances.”
“The main objective is to foster a strong sense of unity and emotional support within Caritas Jerusalem, recognizing that the coming nights in Gaza will be especially demanding,” the statement said.
Currently, staff at headquarters in Jerusalem and the West Bank are working from home with their families and offering them the necessary support.
The statement explained that “all educational institutions and recreational facilities in Jerusalem are closed, along with the closure of checkpoints in the West Bank.”
“For security reasons, all Caritas Jerusalem operations on the ground have been suspended. Our immediate focus is on the well-being of our staff. We ask for your prayers for peace and security, and invite you to be at our side as we appeal for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land,” the note adds.