We have been appalled by the senseless loss of life, destruction, and suffering of unarmed civilians in Israel and Gaza.
Ordinary people are paying the price of this conflict, with women, children, and the elderly particularly vulnerable.
As a humanitarian organisation, we were already concerned about the poverty civilians in Gaza were facing. But this escalation will severely worsen access to basic necessities needed to survive.
Image: CARE staff distribute water bottles to people displaced by the conflict amid a very severe shortage of drinking water © Saaed Rafiq al Madhoun/CARE
CARE’s response in Gaza and the region
Right now, the CARE team in Gaza and the West Bank are working around the clock. They have been able to secure and help distribute much-needed water supplies to families fleeing violence and dignity kits for displaced women and girls.
CARE has worked in the West Bank and Gaza for over 70 years. Our incredibly dedicated team in Gaza is terrified for their own families' safety, but as soon as it is safe to do so they will continue to respond to the urgent needs of those affected by the conflict in Gaza and the region, with a particular focus on medical intervention and the needs of women and girls.
CARE condemns in the strongest terms all violence against civilians on all sides. Innocent Palestinians should not bear the cost of the response to the horrible act of terror perpetrated against innocent Israelis.
Main image: Destroyed houses in Gaza City © Grayscale Media/CARE