As the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, Caritas Australia has said it is receiving increasingly grave reports from its partners across the region.
In a recent update, Caritas Australia said Caritas Middle East and North Africa had expressed deep concern over the devastating humanitarian consequences for civilians, noting that communities already living in fragile conditions are now experiencing further fear, displacement, and instability.
The Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon had also issued a statement warning about the “dangerous escalation of armed conflicts,” highlighting innocent victims, mass displacement of families, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
They stressed the continued “spiral of violence threatens the dignity of the human person” and called for an immediate end to hostilities, a return to constructive dialogue, and urgent international action to prevent further deterioration.
Caritas Australia has also received updates from Caritas Lebanon, which has been responding since hostilities intensified on 2 March. Over recent days, large-scale military operations and repeated displacement orders have triggered mass movement of civilians across the country.
As of 9 March, Caritas Lebanon reports:
- 667,831 newly displaced people have registered for support
- 119,700 people are sheltering across 567 collective centres nationwide
- More than 1300 people are reported injured and at least 486 people have been killed, including children
Many shelters, particularly in Mount Lebanon, North Lebanon and Akkar, are now at or near full capacity.
Despite the volatile environment, Caritas Lebanon teams are operating across seven governorates, delivering food, essential items, healthcare, psychosocial support, water and hygiene assistance, and protection services.
More than 54,000 people have already been assisted through emergency activities coordinated with government ministries, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners.
Caritas Jerusalem staff have reported continuous missile and rocket fire, and families regularly sheltering during air raid sirens.
Speaking from Bethlehem, Secretary General of Caritas Jerusalem, Anton Asfar said, “There is almost no movement in the streets, so the socio-economic situation is really devastating. We call upon our partners, sisters, and brothers to continue to support us since we do not have many resources to provide lifesaving services in the Holy Land.”
Caritas Jerusalem continues to operate its medical centres in Taybeh in the West Bank, as well as Gaza, with humanitarian programs in Gaza ongoing under strict security protocols.
To support Caritas Australia’s Emergency Appeals, visit www.caritas.org.au/emergency or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
