Caritas for Gaza

May 15, 2025 News

People in Gaza are dying of hunger. Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid poses a risk of genocide

The situation of Gaza’s residents has reached a critical point. For almost three months now, there has been a complete blockade of humanitarian aid deliveries by Israel. This is in stark violation of international humanitarian law and the rulings of the International Court. Hunger must not be used as a weapon of war. Before the debates on whether this constitutes genocide conclude, thousands more people, most of them children, will needlessly die in Gaza.

April 13, 2025 News

How wars destroy the environment and contribute to climate change

Did you know that militaries are responsible for 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions? Wars and conflicts not only have a devastating impact on people's lives, but also negatively affect the environment and contribute significantly to climate change. By the Ukraine war’s third year, total war-related emissions generated are roughly equal to the annual emissions of several mid-sized European countries combined. In Gaza, the destruction of ecosystems is being referred to as ecocide and a war crime. In the future, the reconstruction of post-war areas will also present a problem.

March 16, 2025 News

3 ways Caritas' clinic in Gaza helps people in need

During one of the most challenging humanitarian crises, Caritas has been at the forefront of providing essential health care services in Gaza. The needs of local people remain overwhelming. Over a year of conflict has left Gaza’s health infrastructure in terrible condition, and most medical facilities remain non-functional. In this critical moment, here are three key ways that Caritas' clinic is making a difference.

January 31, 2025 News

Thanks to the ceasefire, significantly more humanitarian aid is flowing into Gaza, but the needs remain enormous, says Kateřina Velíšková from Caritas Czech Republic

After more than a year of war, a temporary ceasefire has been declared in Gaza. This has given residents hope of returning home and allowed for an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries. However, the situation remains critical. What impact has the conflict had, what do people in Gaza need most right now, and how is Caritas Czech Republic helping them? We discussed this with Kateřina Velíšková, Regional Manager for the Middle East at Caritas Czech Republic.

January 29, 2025 News

6 global conflicts and crises to watch in 2025

Humanitarian crises are reaching alarming proportions. Last year was one of the most brutal on record for civilians in conflict zones, and humanitarian organisations warn that 2025 could be even worse. It is estimated that up to 305 million people will need humanitarian assistance this year. Let's take a look at six crises and conflicts that need attention this year. From Syria to Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan to the climate crisis.

January 23, 2025 News

Israa from Gaza lost her limbs and two sisters in the war. Thanks to the help of Caritas, she has secured medical care

Israa, a young woman from the Al-Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza, is both a witness and a victim of one of the most devastating conflicts of today. Over 47,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza since the war began, and more than 100,000 others have suffered injuries. Among them, Israa, who lost limbs and her sisters in the bombing.

January 22, 2025 News

Caritas welcomes temporary ceasefire in Gaza: first step towards addressing the current humanitarian tragedy

After 15 months of brutal war between Israel and Hamas, a temporary ceasefire has been announced in Gaza. This brings hope to the families of hostages and much-needed relief to Gaza’s residents. However, it is only the first essential step towards achieving lasting peace and addressing the enormous humanitarian catastrophe that the enclave’s population is facing as a result of the conflict.

January 6, 2025 News

7 biggest achievements of Caritas Czech Republic in 2024

The year 2024 brought many challenges to the world, but it also showed the power of solidarity and commitment to help where it is needed most. We helped civilians affected by the war in Gaza, supported farmers in Zambia battling the effects of climate change and played our part in rebuilding livelihoods in war-torn Ukraine. This is just a fraction of our work. Let's recall the key moments and achievements of Caritas Czech Republic over the past year.

December 9, 2024 News

Movement between cities in the West Bank is increasingly challenging, and violence is escalating, says Kateřina Velíšková from Caritas Czech Republic

The West Bank faces growing challenges. Escalating violence, restricted movement, and complications in the operations of humanitarian organisations are severely affecting local communities. The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to significantly worsen the situation in the West Bank. We spoke with Kateřina Velíšková, Regional Manager of Caritas Czech Republic for the Middle East, who recently visited the region, about the current situation, the daily lives of local people, and the support provided by Caritas.

November 18, 2024 News

It's like I have found a light in the darkness, says Fatima from Gaza after receiving psychosocial support from Caritas

Fatima, a fifty-year-old mother of four, lives in the tragic reality of war-torn Gaza, where daily life means a struggle for survival. For fifteen years, Fatima has been battling the effects of a stroke and severe depression, which have significantly worsened in the past year. "I feel like I have lost my way," she says, referring to the daily struggle with physical exhaustion and stress from the ongoing conflict. Thanks to Caritas, Fatima feels better today.

October 17, 2024 News

Caritas Czech Republic at Ambrela Development Forum: Kateřina Velíšková led a panel discussion in Bratislava about the war in Gaza

On Thursday, October 10, the Ambrela Development Forum took place in Bratislava, Slovakia. It brought together speakers from different countries to talk about the major crises and conflicts the world is currently facing. Among them was our colleague Kateřina Velíšková as a moderator, who led a panel discussion on the issue of providing humanitarian aid during the war in Gaza.

October 13, 2024 News

1 year of war in Gaza. Caritas is still helping affected civilians

7th October marks exactly one year since the Hamas attack on Israel, which escalated into the current war in the Gaza Strip and has had a profound impact on events across the region. After twelve months of relentless bombing, the Gaza Strip is completely devastated. More than 42 000 Palestinians have lost their lives and more than 99 000 others have been injured. People are also dying in the West Bank and, following the recent escalation, in Lebanon. Caritas has been helping since the beginning of the conflict.

October 10, 2024 News

Lives disrupted by a devastating war: Stories of Ahmad, Rula and Mai from Palestine

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a breaking point. Amid relentless bombings and forced evacuations, thousands of families have been displaced and le without essential services. Despite these challenges, Caritas is working tirelessly to support those in need, providing medical care, food assistance, and psychological support. In the midst of this devastation, individuals like Ahmad, Rula, and Mai share their stories of survival, resilience, and hope for a better future.

October 7, 2024 News

There are a lot of strong people in Gaza who continue to help despite being affected by the war themselves, says Safa Younes from Caritas Czech Republic

Safa Younes is a Palestinian humanitarian worker based in Jaffa, Tel Aviv. After the war in Gaza broke out, Safa made the pivotal decision to shift her career and dedicate herself to helping those impacted by the conflict. She now works for Caritas Czech Republic, coordinating aid efforts for Gaza in collaboration with Caritas Jerusalem. Her unique perspective offers insights into the challenges of providing humanitarian assistance across borders during times of conflict.

October 7, 2024 News

7 things you should know about the war in Gaza

The devastating war in Gaza has been ongoing since last October. It has left behind an indescribable level of destruction and suffering and has had an unprecedented impact on the civilian population there. The bombing and fighting in this enclosed strip of land have caused one of the greatest humanitarian disasters of our time. What is the situation on the ground? What is behind the conflict?

October 3, 2024 News

Humanitarian crisis in Lebanon: Caritas provides on-the-ground assistance

The security and humanitarian situation in Lebanon is dramatically worsening. As a result of Israeli attacks, approximately one million residents have been displaced from their homes, now needing assistance to meet their basic needs. Caritas Lebanon actively provides humanitarian aid to displaced people, ensuring access to water, food, shelter, and medical and psychosocial support. Caritas Czech Republic has also contributed directly to the aid efforts on the ground.

September 16, 2024 News

How the West Bank is affected by the war in Gaza

More than 11 months have passed since the conflict in the Gaza Strip escalated. The war is also hitting hard on the West Bank region. Since 7 October, more than 600 Palestinians have been killed and thousands injured. Tensions and violence in the area are steadily increasing, depriving civilians not only of their lives, but also of their jobs and shelter. In the West Bank, as in Gaza, Caritas is also helping.

August 13, 2024 News

Caritas health teams still helping directly in Gaza. Caritas Czech Republic to provide additional healthcare

Absolute devastation. That is how Gaza looks more than 10 months after the start of the war. Most of Gaza is practically levelled, with 90% of its residents forced out of their homes. There is a catastrophic shortage of even the most basic necessities. Caritas has 12 medical teams on the ground providing both healthcare and psychological assistance. Caritas Czech Republic is ensuring additional healthcare for civilians in Gaza.

July 4, 2024 News

War in Gaza: The situation stays critical, the biggest problem is constant fighting, which complicates the delivery of humanitarian aid, says Kateřina Velíšková from Caritas Czech Republic

The devastating war in Gaza has been going on since the beginning of October last year. It has left behind an indescribable level of destruction and suffering and has had a major impact on local civilians. The fighting in this closed strip of land has caused one of the greatest humanitarian disasters. What is the situation in Gaza? What do people need the most? How is Caritas helping? Our colleague Kateřina Velíšková, who recently returned from Israel, explains this in an interview.

June 21, 2024 News

6 reasons why the number of forcibly displaced people in the world hits record high

There is now a record number of people worldwide who had to flee their homes. At the end of last year, displaced people exceeded 117 million. The number almost doubled over the last decade. The vast majority were displaced by war or ethnic and other violence. Behind these numbers lie countless human tragedies. Why has the number of forcibly displaced risen for the twelfth year in a row and reached a record high?

June 10, 2024 News

6 ways Caritas Czech Republic supports refugees to become self-sufficient

There are currently more than 122 million displaced people in the world. Whether they have fled abroad or stayed in their countries, they are trying to start again from zero in new places. Refugees, despite many prejudices, do not wait with their hand out for help, but instead want to work, study and stand on their own two feet. But they need support at the beginning to succeed. Caritas Czech Republic is helping them to do just that.

May 14, 2024 News

220 days of war in Gaza. Caritas continues to help despite dire conditions

The escalation of the conflict in Gaza has been going on for 220 days now, with tragic consequences for the population. People are living in desperate conditions without access to basic needs and health services. More than 35 000 Palestinians have lost their lives and almost 2 million people have been forced to leave their homes. Moreover, the expansion of Israeli military operations into Rafah in southern Gaza is leading to further massive displacement. Caritas continues to provide humanitarian aid in Gaza despite the dire conditions.

April 7, 2024 News

Tragic balance of 6 months of war in Gaza: Tens of thousands dead, unprecedented destruction and imminent famine

Half a year of intense fighting, shelling and bombing has left absolute devastation in Gaza. Over 33,000 Palestinians, including 14,500 children, have been killed, another 75,000 injured. Almost two million people have been displaced, many of them repeatedly. Half of Gaza's population is at imminent risk of famine, and malnutrition among children has reached unprecedented levels. Despite the dire conditions, Caritas continues to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

March 15, 2024 All news

Stories from Gaza: Amal's brother lost his leg in the bombing, Hanna is endlessly searching for a shelter

The people in Gaza are living in devastating conditions. Our colleague Amal was forced to leave his home in Gaza when the war began. He and his family then lived with his friends in Khan Younis when their building was bombed in December. Amal's brother lost his leg under the crushed building and is still waiting for proper treatment. Another colleague from Caritas Jerusalem is still searching for shelter after having moved five times.

March 8, 2024 News

Caritas Czech Republic joins the call on the government to secure humanitarian aid to Gaza and reach a ceasefire agreement

The situation for the people of the Gaza Strip is dire. 2.2 million people are on the brink of famine. Over 85% of the population has been forced to flee their homes and are surviving in inhumane conditions. Even the most basic necessities are lacking. A planned Israeli ground operation in Rafah would have unimaginable consequences. Caritas Czech Republic joins the call on the Government of the Czech Republic to use all its capabilities to push for an immediate solution to the humanitarian crisis and a ceasefire.

February 16, 2024 All news

There is no life, no dignity, no humanity. Just indescribable suffering, says Marcel about the war in Gaza

The tragic escalation of the war between Hamas and Israel is now in its fifth month. It leaves behind an indescribable level of destruction and suffering, especially in Gaza. The humanitarian situation on the ground is catastrophic. More than two million people, half of whom are children, are living in inhumane conditions without adequate access to drinking water, food, shelter or healthcare.

January 8, 2024 All news

Caritas helps in Gaza despite dire conditions

The war in Gaza has been ongoing for more than three months. The fighting has had a devastating impact on the civilian population. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic, with people having no access to even basic needs such as drinking water, food or healthcare, and are at imminent risk of famine. A hundred-member Caritas team is involved in the relief effort on the ground. Caritas is also calling for an immediate ceasefire.

November 24, 2023 All news

Caritas Internationalis urges for an immediate ceasefire in the Holy Land

In response to the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel and the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, the global organisation Caritas Internationalis, of which we are also a member, has issued a statement: "Now is the time for peace". It calls for an immediate cessation of fighting in the Holy Land, respect for international humanitarian law, the release of hostages and the immediate provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

November 3, 2023 News

Acute fighting limits the possibility of providing essential humanitarian aid in Gaza, says Kateřina Velíšková from Caritas Czech Republic

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas is drastically affecting the civilian population, especially in the Gaza Strip. It is facing an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. We spoke to Kateřina Velíšková, Regional Manager for the Middle East, about the long-term situation in Gaza, what is happening on the ground now and how Caritas is helping. Kateřina herself spent a year in Israel.

October 28, 2023 All news

Humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Caritas Czech Republic launches an appeal to help affected civilians

The war between Israel and Hamas has caused a humanitarian disaster for the civilian population of the Gaza Strip. In a closed area from which there is no escape and nowhere to hide, basic needs, including drinking water, food, medicine and electricity, are running out. Caritas Czech Republic has released funds from its emergency fund and is launching a collection to help affected civilians in the Gaza Strip. They urgently need immediate and safe access to basic humanitarian aid, including medical care. Caritas Jerusalem, which currently has 100 staff on the ground in Gaza, has long provided this assistance.

October 26, 2023 News

Diary from Gaza

"I walk more than a kilometre through a desert tunnel made of wires with automatic gates. Green light, we can go through. Red light, we wait. No one in sight, all visible signs of human presence seem to have disappeared. This place outside of time and space is called Erez: the border that connects Israel to Gaza and Gaza to Israel. A connecting line between two worlds," Rachel Felgines, working at Caritas Internationalis in the Middle East, described the situation in the Gaza Strip in 2016. Today, this crossing into Gaza is also closed. Moreover, the escalation of the conflict from 7th of October has worsened the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

October 25, 2023 News

People in Gaza do not have drinking water, electricity or fuel. They are exhausted and traumatised, says Harout Bedrossian from Caritas Jerusalem

The consequences of the newly escalated conflict between Israel and Hamas are hitting the civilian population the hardest. The escalation of the conflict has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. We spoke about the current situation to Harout Bedrossian from Caritas Jerusalem, which has long been helping in the Gaza Strip and has 100 employees in Gaza.

October 24, 2023 News

Life in Gaza under the shadow of conflict

Since the escalation of violence on 7 October 2023, more than 5,000 people have lost their lives and 15,000 others have been injured in Gaza. Numerous residents have been forced to seek refuge in hospitals, UNRWA facilities, and churches. The shortage of electricity, water, and food supplies, especially for hospitals, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. We are publishing an article that our colleagues at Caritas Jerusalem prepared despite the obstacles the conflict has caused them.

October 23, 2023 News

What life in the Gaza Strip looks like

Gaza, a strip of isolated land smaller than Prague, is home to 2.3 million people. It is one of the most densely populated areas on the planet - and in a confined space. The Gaza Strip has been described as an "open-air prison", its inhabitants have long been deprived of basic needs, which are constantly growing. What is life like in Gaza, what do its inhabitants face and how has the recent escalation of the conflict worsened the situation?

October 17, 2023 All news

War between Israel and Hamas. Gaza faces an unprecedented humanitarian disaster

The war between Israel and Hamas is a humanitarian disaster for the civilian population of the Gaza Strip. In this closed area without escape, basic needs, including drinking water, are running out. In addition, Israel has called for over a million residents of northern Gaza to leave their homes. Caritas Jerusalem has long been active in Gaza.

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