The Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund have extended their Gaza appeal to include southern Lebanon after the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East widened.

SCIAF have been working in the region with a Gaza appeal since last October when the conflict escalated.

They want to see the war on Gaza brought to an end and have described it as ‘disproportionate and cruel’, with the UN also calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has now also escalated and killed, maimed and displaced tens of thousands of people and caused fear and concern throughout the country since.

Mark Adams from the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (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.   

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“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.” 

“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.

Mark said: “Your gift to the Holy Land Crisis Appeal will provide the vital support to those who need it most across the Holy Land. Please donate today so that we can provide essential support to the families in urgent need.” 

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