There are fears of all out war and a humanitarian disaster as Israel steps up its operations

An international aid group has taken the decision to widen its Gaza appeal to include southern Lebanon as Israeli attacks on the region increase.

There are fears of all out war and a humanitarian disaster as Israel steps up its operations against Hezbollah.

Now the  Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) has widened its existing appeal for the people of Gaza – who have suffered widespread abuses from the Israeli Defence Force since Hamas launched deadly attacks on 7 October last year.

Mark Adams from SCIAF said: “The war in the Holy Land is causing horrendous levels of suffering for so many innocent people, destroying communities and devastating families across the region. Over 43,000 thousand people have already been killed, and over a million people have lost their homes and livelihoods.   

“SCIAF, as part of the world-wide Caritas network of aid agencies, is ideally placed to respond and respond quickly. Caritas is expanding its existing support to those affected by the conflict on Lebanon’s southern border. Today, given the concerning escalation of violence, we have widened our existing Gaza appeal, which has been running since last October, to include Lebanon.” 

Conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has dramatically escalated recently, killing and maiming thousands, displacing tens of thousands and causing fear and trauma throughout Lebanon. 

The Caritas network says it already has staff in the heart of communities able to respond fast wherever the need is greatest, helping get support to innocent victims caught in the war.  

Adams added: “Despite many of our Caritas colleagues being displaced and in danger themselves, they bravely and selflessly continue to respond to those most in need, providing essential food and medical equipment in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and in neighbouring countries.” 

Caritas is providing cash transfers, food (hot food and food kits), health care and essential psychosocial support, particularly to children and women affected by gender-based violence. They are also providing care and support for their staff, ensuring they can continue to provide frontline services, working especially to assist people in hard-to-reach areas, such as northern Gaza.   

To donate to SCIAF’s Holy Land appeal, visit www.sciaf.org.uk/holyland