We are witnessing a rapid escalation of violence in Palestine and Israel. As of 17 May at least 220 Palestinians, including 58 children, 31 women, more than 6300 injured. 10 Israelis have been killed, including 2 children and 300 injured.
Hostilities have also resulted in significant additional displacement of Palestinians, with over 38,000 displaced persons taking shelter in 48 UNRWA schools across Gaza.
Salwa Tibi, Gaza Programme Representative for CARE explains:
CARE stands with all people affected by violence, discrimination and conflict and we are supporting all of the people with humanitarian assistance. Currently we are planning to support the hospitals with drugs and medical supplies. "
CARE condemns all violence against civilians on both sides.
People in both Palestine and Israel are caught in the crossfire. But those in Gaza are made particularly vulnerable by the on-going land and naval blockade which makes it impossible for them to seek safety elsewhere. Your donation could pay for the real help they need, right now.
The current escalation of violence only adds to the hopelessness and despair in Gaza, which is still struggling to recover from the destruction and loss of life suffered during previous escalations in the conflict.
CARE has worked in Palestine West Bank and Gaza for over 70 years, so we’re well placed to respond today, but we need your help. Our tireless and dedicated local team in Gaza are working around the clock with trusted partners to deliver emergency healthcare and shelter even though many of them are personally affected.
Call for urgent action
CARE International strongly condemns and stands against the egregious violations of human rights and dignity of people in Palestine and Israel and urges the parties to the conflict to immediately stop all violence. We further urge the international community to engage both Israeli and Palestinian leadership to bring an end to the fighting and to demand the Israeli government cease all forced removals, which threaten the very existence of the Palestinian people in East Jerusalem. The policy of forced removals forces them into homelessness and loss of their livelihoods, leading to destitution for whole families and communities.
In order to respond to the ongoing and urgent needs resulting from the escalating violence, CARE International calls for the immediate, safe and unfettered movement of humanitarian and medical personnel to conduct rapid life-saving interventions. Access is critical to support people in need of humanitarian assistance and medical support, as Gaza’s overburdened health sector is struggling to meet urgent needs.
It is crucial that the international community intervenes immediately to end the violence and address the root cause of the problem. Israel should uphold its legal obligations towards Palestinians and comply with International Law. We call on the international community to ensure the State of Israel ends its deeply entrenched and systemic discriminatory policies against Palestinians, a reality on the ground that has gone unchecked for decades.
CARE has worked in Palestine and Israel since 1948 to provide humanitarian relief and promote values of social justice and gender equality. CARE stands with all people affected by violence, discrimination and conflict.
