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The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has temporarily silenced the conflict in the Gaza Strip, but humanitarian concerns remain critical, according to the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA). The organization's regional director reported on the dire situation facing thousands of people in need of aid.
CNEWA was established in 1926 by Pope Pius XI and administers the Pontifical Mission for Palestine, founded by Pope Pius XII in 1949. Its mission is to assist those affected by war and poverty across the Middle East. Currently, CNEWA is addressing the needs of vulnerable groups including children without families, pregnant women, new mothers, and individuals with chronic illnesses who lack access to medical care.
Joseph Hazboun, speaking from his office in Jerusalem, described the situation as "bleak," noting that over 17,000 children are without families and an estimated 150,000 pregnant women require essential health services. He highlighted that one million children need mental health support due to severe psychological distress caused by ongoing conflict.
The Christian population in Gaza has dwindled significantly. Hazboun mentioned that only about 600 Christians remain, a number expected to halve as more people leave through the Rafah crossing recently opened for medical evacuations.
Despite these challenges, CNEWA's Pontifical Mission for Palestine continues its relief efforts with programs focusing on psychosocial support and medical care. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), another pontifical charity, collaborates with local partners to deliver crucial supplies like food and shelter assistance.
Mario Bard from ACN remarked on the ceasefire's significance: “The ceasefire agreement has been reached between Hamas and Israel … allowing the inhabitants of the Holy Land…to finally hope for a lasting peace.”
However, Hazboun warned about obstacles such as restricted movement and costly reconstruction efforts. He emphasized that checkpoints have worsened post-ceasefire.
Church leaders have urged addressing long-standing issues at the root of this conflict. The prospects for lasting peace remain uncertain despite recent negotiations facilitated by international actors like the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.
"Only peace and freedom and a life with dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians can bring peace and security," Hazboun stated.
In recent developments on February 1st, 183 Palestinian prisoners were released following Hamas's release of three Israeli hostages.
