October 27, 2025
News
The announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza on 10 October 2025 has brought a long-awaited moment of relief, not only to the population in Gaza, exhausted by two years of relentless conflict, but also to the world. For Palestinians who have endured unimaginable suffering and for Israelis who have lived in anguish over hostages, this truce offers a fragile glimmer of hope. Yet, behind the headlines of peace, the humanitarian catastrophe remains.
Basic essentials remain out of reach
The human toll of the two-year conflict is devastating, more than 67,000 people killed and 165,000 injured, with actual figures likely far higher. The scale of destruction is almost total. Imagery shows that about 90 % of residential buildings lie in ruins. The removal of rubble is expected to take years. The clinic, once supported by Caritas Czech Republic, stood in the lively Tal-Al Hawa neighbourhood in Gaza City. The closure was forced in mid-September, following the commencement of the offensive operation by the Israeli army. Today, the streets are empty and the clinic is damaged. Photographs show only a skeletal frame and rubble. The home of one of Caritas´s employees met the same fate; nothing remains but concrete bones. Hospitals have also collapsed, and thousands of wounded await treatment. The hospitals still operating face a critical shortage of medicines, supplies and mental health services. Nearly two million people face the upcoming months without shelter, fuel, or clean water. Every hour and day of delay in aid delivery deepens the suffering.
Photo: Clinic supported by Caritas Czech Republic in Gaza City is now closed and empty.
The reactions to the announcement of the ceasefire on 10 October 2025 were immediate. World leaders and humanitarian organisations welcomed the peace, yet highlighted the immediate need for humanitarian aid access. As sporadic attacks continue, the fragile ceasefire shows how urgently lokals need steady humanitarian access and coordinated aid.
Also, Caritas Internationalis welcomed the ceasefire as a “desperately needed pause in the devastation,” urging both parties to honour the agreement and allow immediate humanitarian access. “There is a short window of opportunity to provide relief and an end to this inhuman suffering,” said Alistair Dutton, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis.
Clinic reopens, lifesaving infant formula delivered across Gaza
Shortly after the ceasefire, the clinic operated by Caritas Jerusalem and supported by Caritas Czech Republic opened in the new location in Al-Zawaida, central Gaza, where primary health care is provided to local residents. In addition to this vital work, Caritas Jerusalem immediately activated its emergency network across the Gaza Strip, overcoming enormous logistical challenges. Within days, the team distributed 10,000 cans of infant formula to families with newborns and young children.
Yet, even with humanitarian aid, living conditions remain dire. Many families face poverty and limited job opportunities. Eggs and meat are scarce and unaffordable. Experts estimate that restoring essential infrastructure will cost billions of dollars and take many years.
Photos: Caritas Jerusalem is distributing infant formula in Gaza, credit: @Caritas Jerusalem
Gaza will continue to need our support
Caritas Czech Republic also continues to focus on mental health and individual social support. The crisis helpline operated by the Palestinian organisation Sawa remains active, and the most complex cases are referred to case managers who coordinate assistance despite destroyed homes and challenging conditions.
Caritas’ assistance in Gaza is made possible by the generosity of all donors who contributed to the Caritas for Gaza fundraising campaign. We deeply appreciate everyone who continues to support our work. The stories of those we have helped are available through the travelling photography exhibition Gaza Beyond the Headlines.
DONATE AND HELP PEOPLE IN GAZA
