Alistair Dutton, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, calls for an immediate end to the attacks in Gaza and emphasizes the urgent need for humanitarian aid. Dutton highlights the suffering of the people in Gaza, including the attack on the only Catholic parish and the loss of life in Caritas Jerusalem's counseling tent. Caritas urges the international community to pressure the Israeli government to halt attacks on civilians. The article stresses the critical need for humanitarian access to Gaza, where 2.1 million people face acute hunger and lack essential resources.
14 days ago
Alistair Dutton, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, has issued an urgent plea for an immediate cessation of "the bombardment and the atrocities" in the Gaza Strip 1. This call echoes Pope Leo's renewed demand for respect of international humanitarian law 1. Dutton emphasized that when one part of the global body suffers, all suffer, reflecting on the recent attack on Gaza's only Catholic parish where two individuals receiving Caritas Jerusalem's psychological support were killed 1.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is severe, with 2.1 million people facing acute hunger and a critical lack of food, shelter, and medical supplies 1. Despite Israeli announcements to allow aid, restrictions have kept the flow of necessities minimal, and hundreds have been killed while waiting for supplies 1. Dutton highlighted that 20 to 30 people are shot daily merely attempting to acquire food 1. Access to medical supplies is also severely limited, with many clinics closed and basic supplies scarce, leading to deaths from treatable conditions 1.
Dutton strongly condemned the proposed "humanitarian city" in Rafah, which Israel's defense minister suggested for displaced Palestinians 1. He described the area as lacking any facilities, accommodations, or sanitation, echoing former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's characterization of it as a "concentration camp" and "ethnic cleansing" 1. Forcing migration is a violation of international law, and Dutton urged other states to cease providing support that enables Israel to continue these actions 1. He noted that during the last ceasefire, 600 trucks of aid entered Gaza, a stark contrast to the current small fraction of aid allowed in since March 1.
Caritas Internationalis expresses deep sorrow and anger over the situation, stressing the international community's responsibility to pressure the Israeli government to halt attacks on civilians 1. The organization emphasizes the critical need for humanitarian access "at scale and in ways that are recognizably humanitarian," ensuring aid prioritizes the elderly, single parents, and vulnerable individuals 1. All previous Caritas distribution points have been suspended, leaving only four locations for food aid in the Strip 1. Dutton underscored the necessity of recognizing and protecting places of refuge, such as churches, schools, and health centers 1.
How does the Church advocate for peace and aid in conflict?
The Catholic Church advocates for peace and provides aid in conflict through a multifaceted approach rooted in its social teaching, emphasizing justice, solidarity, and human dignity . This commitment is inspired by the Gospel message and the example of Jesus Christ .
The Church's advocacy for peace is built upon several core principles:
The Church employs various methods to advocate for peace and provide aid in conflict zones:
In summary, the Church's advocacy for peace and aid in conflict is a comprehensive endeavor, deeply rooted in its theological understanding of human dignity and its commitment to justice and solidarity, manifested through diplomatic efforts, educational initiatives, and extensive charitable work .