Embrace Partner Updates

LATEST UPDATES

9 September

Statement in response to UK sanctions on Israeli settlements

“Amidst increasing violence from Israeli settlers and the huge expansion of illegal settlements, Embrace the Middle East welcomes the announcement from the UK Government to sanction goods and services from the West Bank settlements…”

Read Statement in Full

10 June

More families fled southern Lebanon yesterday as more airstrikes hit. In Beirut, a team from our partner the Karagheusian Association were helping give medical assistance to newly displaced families at one of the public shelters.

29 May

“We can hear the sound of war in the background” – Lebanese resident displaced from Beirut

As ceasefire negotiations continue between Israel, Iran and the US, air strikes in Lebanon have increased inumerably over the last week. Embrace CEO Jamie Eyre explores why respite for the region seems unlikely at the present time.

» Listen to the interview here «

20 May

Life still one of crisis for many in Lebanon

Although an official ceasefire exists between Israel and Hezbollah, the reality in Lebanon feels very different. Our partners report the constant sound of drones and that airstrikes are still occurring, particularly in the south. Many thousands are still displaced. This week our partner MERATH told us:

“Many displaced families still cannot return to their homes in Lebanon…As the crisis persists, humanitarian needs remain immense and, in many areas, continue to grow. Prolonged displacement is placing increasing pressure on already vulnerable households, particularly families facing financial hardship, emotional fatigue, and deep uncertainty about the future.”

MERATH continues to support these families with distributions of blankets, food parcels and other necessities.

12 May

An update from Lebanon – education centre reopened

Last week, after 6 weeks of running online lessons because of the displacement caused by the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, our partner Tahaddi was able to welcome students to their education centre again. They said:

“Students and educators are finally back together in a space of routine, connection, and support. Seeing familiar faces, hearing laughter in the corridors, and restoring daily structure reminds us how important safe community spaces are for children and youth.”

7 May

Following airstrikes in Beirut this morning, Embrace CEO Jamie Eyre has been talking to UCB about the situation in Lebanon and how our partners are responding.

» Listen to the interview here «

28 April

Living conditions in Gaza still at desperate levels

Our partners providing primary healthcare in Gaza tell us that health and living conditions are still at desperate levels. Despite the ceasefire, there are still restrictions on humanitarian access and critical shortages of food, medicines and equipment.

The medics at Caritas Jerusalem say they have seen a rise in infectious diseases, particularly those associated with having to live in inadequate and overcrowded conditions, and that “there is a widespread and unprecedented surge in rodents has been reported across Gaza, posing a serious and immediate threat to public health”. Many across Gaza, including the our partners’ staff, are still living in tents.

The NECC tell us that unaffordability of food (a single egg, when available, costs $3) and loss of land to grow simple plants like tomatoes, mean many are unable to get the nutrients they need. Women (especially pregnant and new mothers) and children are arriving at their clinics suffering from anaemia and malnutrition. Many of the children are orphaned or have sustained life-changing injuries and are coming to their clinic for help as they have nowhere else to turn.

As the heartbreak and suffering in Gaza continues, please keep them in your prayers. We echo the call of our partners at Caritas Jerusalem for urgent, full humanitarian access to alleviate the desperate conditions:

“The continued restriction on the entry of goods, medical supplies, and essential equipment remains a critical factor driving the deterioration of living conditions in Gaza. Without immediate and sustained access, humanitarian needs are expected to further escalate.”

24 April

With so many homes destroyed, many in Lebanon are still displaced

Embrace partner the Karagheusian Association healthcare centre is situated in a part of Beirut to which many families fled during the airstrikes. Although there is now a ceasefire, the director of Karagheusian has told us:

“Many of these people are not able to go back to their villages because they do not have a place to live anymore in their village. There is no village anymore, it was completely wiped out.”

The Karaghesian centre is continuing to provide healthcare for these families, including psychological support.

23 April

Many children in Lebanon have been deeply impacted by the trauma of war. For those children with additional needs, expressing their feelings and worries can be extra difficult. At Embrace partner SKILD (Smart Kids with Learning Differences), the staff have been helping the children in their care talk about their experiences and strategies to help them cope:

22 April

War damage in Lebanon is extensive

This week, for the first time since the start of this war, the ceasefire has meant that our partner Al-Kafaàt were able to check on their disability centres in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The buildings, already empty because of extensive damage in the 2024 war, have sadly suffered more destruction (as the pictures below show), meaning an even longer road until these can be repaired and reopened:

But alongside the heartbreak is a determination that war, fear and hatred will not have the final word. Al-Kafaàt continue to provide disability services from their campus outside the city (which they refurbished and moved to last year) – welcoming around 300 each day, alongside providing round-the-clock care for 35 residents. They tell us: “Despite all the destruction, and no matter how much they try to divide us, our Mission prevails. Al-Kafaàt is not just an organization that cares for individuals with disabilities. Al-Kafaàt is a family that loves every human being and embraces all their abilities and potentials.”

20 APRIL

The ceasefire brings respite in Lebanon, but crisis remains

As the ceasefire took affect in Lebanon our partner Thimar sent us this update:

“This declaration offers a much-needed moment of relief …Still, the damage is real. Many remain displaced, and others have nothing to return to, despite the ceasefire. Homes have been destroyed, businesses reduced to rubble, and the work of a lifetime lost… [we] continue to serve those in need through relief efforts, education, spiritual support, hosting, medical assistance, and more. In many ways, this moment is even more critical than before. We must be ready to reach those left without hope, extending to them the love of Christ in word and deed.”

13 APRIL

By the grace of God, our ministry goes on

Our partners LSESD/Thimar in Lebanon have been in touch following the devastating attacks that took place last week, dangerously close to the areas in which they work, resulting in the loss of 300 lives and leaving thousands injured. Their focus at the moment is the Lebanon Emergency Relief Response – a co-ordinated effort across all their teams and projects – ensuring aid reaches those most in need in their local communities.

“It is our prayer that ongoing talks will be fruitful and lead to a meaningful de-escalation. Lebanon is deeply exhausted, and many communities are carrying the weight of ongoing fear, loss, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. As we move forward, we urge you to keep standing with Lebanon in prayer.”

It can be so hard to know how to pray in these times of conflict and crisis – take a look at LSESD/Thimar’s latest video for inspiration on how to hold their work, staff and beneficiaries in prayer:

9 APRIL

An update from Gaza

Despite the official ceasefire in Gaza last year, our partners there tell us they are also witnessing almost daily conflict:

“We are excited to learn about the ceasefire agreement between the USA and Iran. We sincerely hope that it will lead to a permanent agreement between both countries…We also pray and hope for a true and meaningful ceasefire in Gaza. Gaza has been under daily attack since the alleged ceasefire was announced months ago. Infrastructure continues to be bombed, people targeted and killed, economy on hold, borders closed, siege imposed, leaving no room for any normalcy in the lives of the 2 million people trapped in this cycle of no-war no-peace situation that is catastrophic. Hoping beyond hope, we continue to carry out our mission, and hope for a dawn of peace and prosperity.”

8 APRIL

Prayer request from Lebanon as large-scale airstrikes hit the country

This afternoon Israel carried out the largest coordinated attack on Lebanon since the start of the war last month, with over 100 strikes landing in 10 minutes. Our partners there have spoken of destruction in multiple parts of Beirut, with buildings caved in from the blast of missiles and people frantically running. They have asked for our urgent prayers:

“At this dire moment, we continue to ask for prayers from our friends and partners around the world. Let us pray for genuine peace and for innocent civilians who are paying a high price. Pray also for our staff, ministries, and local church partners as we stand by those affected.”

Response to the ceasefire announcement

We welcome the news of the Iran-US ceasefire and pray that it may be a step to building peace across the region. But in Lebanon the Israel-Hezbollah conflict has not stopped. New evacuation orders have been issued by Israel this morning. Our partners continue to provide food, shelter and support to those displaced. Below are some pictures from our partner MERATH of their mattress and food distribution:

7 APRIL

A difficult Easter for many in Lebanon

Across the Middle East our partners have been marking Easter, but although spiritually strengthened by the good news of Easter, it has nonetheless been an incredibly difficult time.

Our partner Tahaddi tell us: “This is a deeply difficult time for Lebanon, where faith, often a source of comfort, is being tested by the weight of crisis…. As families marked the end of Ramadan and Eid, and Christian communities observed Easter, many were unable to gather, celebrate, or find peace in their homes. Instead of moments of togetherness, many faced displacement, anxiety, and loss… And yet, amid this reality, families continue to endure.”

Their words were echoed by one of our other Lebanese partners, MERATH: “Our team members are no superheroes. Just like everyone, we sometimes feel weary, worried, or even discouraged. The only reason we can keep responding to crisis upon crisis, in sometimes very dark and distressing circumstances, is that the same power that rose Jesus from the dead is also at work through all of us, and through all our partners worldwide who are making this possible. Truly, through the resurrected Christ who strengthens us, everything becomes possible.”

2 APRIL

Disability services continuing in Lebanon

Despite the continued airstrikes in parts of the country, this week our partner Al Kafaát have been able to restart their transport services to and from their disability centre, meaning they can welcome their back day attendees. They have been marking Holy Week with some Easter activities. They told us: “Our continued service remains the ultimate victory in the face of the darkness that surrounds us”.

27 MARCH

More airstrikes fall on Jerusalem

Our partners in Jerusalem tell us that the city has been subject to intense airstrikes in the last 24 hours. One team had to take shelter six times. It is not the first time in this conflict that Jerusalem has been targetted. Earlier in the week we received this harrowing account from one of the staff at Caritas Jerusalem, which he has been kind enough to allow us to share:

“On Friday afternoon, March 20, 2026, I was at home with my daughter when the sirens tore through Jerusalem. My daughter didn’t hesitate. She ran straight to her room, the one place she still believes can protect her.

I moved to the window. Suddenly, a deafening explosion shattered the air. It was so close, so violent, it felt like it passed through my body. The walls trembled.

Then came the fall. Shrapnel. Just meters away—fifteen, no more—from our building.

Smoke rose first, thick and choking. Then dust, swallowing everything. Then the sound—metal and stone crashing down, scattering across the parking lot below. It landed between the Armenian Quarter and the Jewish Quarter, near Dormition Abbey and Al-Bouraq Wall—so close to places filled with prayer, history, and people simply trying to live.

A colleague of mine, who lives just beside where the fragments fell, tried to make sense of what had just happened outside her home.

A few meters to the right, and the cars would have gone up in flames.
A few meters back, and homes—our homes—could have been destroyed.

But somehow, no one was hurt.

People will call it luck. Some will call it a miracle.
But standing there, I couldn’t hold on to those words. All I could feel was how thin that line is—how fragile, how arbitrary.

They say the Old City is unlikely to be hit.
They say it won’t happen here—not near Al-Aqsa Mosque.
They say these things to help us believe we are safe.

But today, those words meant nothing.

Because it did happen.

And as I stood there, with the smoke still in the air and my daughter behind a closed door trying to feel safe, one truth settled deep inside me:

There are no safe places.”

“We choose to love, to serve, to give” – a message from Lebanon

“We don’t settle for simply watching. We choose to move, to love, to serve and to give. For the glory of God and for the good of all those around us.” Words from our partner Thimar as they shared this video update on their response to the crisis across their various programmes. Embrace in particular supports the work they do through MERATH and SKILD:

26 MARCH

From a mustard seed of faith to a community dairy helping displaced families amid war in Lebanon

Watch video update

24 MARCH

Witnessing the weight of worry borne by children in Lebanon

Over the past week, a team from Embrace partner SKILD (Smart Kids with Individual Learning Differences) has been providing support sessions for children of displaced families at 30 public shelters. The impact of this crisis on young, innocent lives is hard to over-emphasise, as this update so clearly lays bare:

“When we first gathered with the children, many tried to be brave in front of one another, hiding their fear behind quiet smiles. But as we shared some of our own struggles and invited them into a safe space, their walls began to come down. One by one, they spoke about missing their homes, longing to go back, and worrying deeply about their families. These moments were both heart-breaking and deeply humbling, reminders of the silent weight so many children are carrying.”

The team are also distributing 1,300 psychological support kits for children: “Each kit is thoughtfully designed to give children a safe outlet, to process their fears, express their emotions, stay engaged, and begin rebuilding a sense of calm and resilience in the midst of uncertainty.”

Please keep the children of Lebanon in your prayers and all of our partner staff working hard to support them.

23 MARCH

As the number of displaced families grow in Lebanon, our partners extend their distribution of blankets & food parcels

“Daily life has changed across Lebanon. Drones continue to hover overhead day and night. Warplanes break the silence of the night. Sleep is fragile. Stability feels distant… Some families are sheltering in schools. Others are moving between temporary spaces. Some are spending nights on the streets, and others are risking staying in dangerous, targeted areas, with nowhere else to go.” Embrace partner Tahaddi

Amid this new terrifying reality, Tahaddi and our other Lebanese partners continue to provide what support and stability they can. Last week 1,289 blankets, 614 pillows 517 mattresses, 30 wooden beds and 320 food parcels were distributed by Tahaddi. As well as visiting the official emergency shelters, they have also extended their distribution of essential supplies to those outside Beirut who are staying with family or in temporary shelters, telling us: “Because they are outside formally recognized displacement centres, such as schools, these families are often less visible, yet their needs remain just as urgent.”

20 MARCH

Education online and psychological support for Lebanon’s children

This week our partner Tahaddi was able to start running online lessons for the children who usually come to their education centre – providing worksheets and exercises that children can complete through WhatsApp. Its a system of remote learning that means even children in areas with limited access to electricity or internet can take part. Staff told us “Children continue to express their desire to return to school. For them, education represents routine, safety, and normalcy in a moment of instability.”

The team’s psychologist is also offering online mental health support sessions for children, youth and their parents who want to talk to her amid this deeply unsettling and distressing time. Last week they organised a ‘hug day’ where students were invited to share a photo hugging a family member or friend – a simple gesture that carries powerful meaning in times of uncertainty.

“Even remotely, these small moments of affection help reinforce security, connection,  and emotional reassurance. Nurturing warmth and belonging remains essential for  children’s well-being.”

Children taking part in ‘hug day’ to help them find emotional reassurance in uncertain times.

18 MARCH

Partner Responses Amidst Continued Escalation

The situation continues to deteriorate in Lebanon, with Israel increasing its bombing and ground invasion as Hezbollah continues to support Iran with attacks on Israel. There are now a million displaced people from southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and the southern districts of Beirut. Although not in the evacuation area, our partners in central and northern Beirut tell us of missiles hitting areas close to where their centres are – often without warning.

Meanwhile, the situation in East Jerusalem and the West Bank remains dire as travel is restricted, people cannot access work, schools, family and medical care, and they live with the trauma of missiles overhead and falling shrapnel, sometimes as big as cars. Terrible stories are emerging as settler violence increases unchecked.

Through this, our partner Caritas Jerusalem has mobilised its staff and volunteers to respond to the needs. They are delivering food packages and hot meals to elderly people who are confined to their homes and unable to access regular care, and are giving people human connection in the face of fear and uncertainty.

You can see more of what they’re doing here: Caritas Jerusalem Delivers Food and Hot Meals to Elderly Beneficiaries Amid Ongoing War – Caritas Jerusalem

Image: Caritas Jerusalem
Delivers Food and
Hot Meals

13 MARCH

An update from Lebanon – airstrike damage to centres & sheltering refugees

It’s been another incredibly frightening and difficult night for the citizens of Beirut. Several of our partners in Lebanon tell us that airstrikes have hit very close to their centres. There were major air-raids last night near Thimar’s Baptist School, which is currently sheltering displaced families, and Al-Kafaàt have sent us photos of damage caused by airstrikes to their Al-Kafaàt Village Campus in the southern suburbs of Beirut. This Campus was already closed, following extensive damaged caused airstrikes in the previous conflict, so thankfully no one was hurt.

Since September 2024 Al-Kafaàt have continued providing disability services from a site outside Beirut, like Thimar they have been welcoming displaced families to the centre there – currently providing shelter and food to 204 people.

Please keep our partners and all they are serving in your prayers at this incredibly difficult time. They have specifically ask for prayers for:

• The safety of their staff.
• Those who live in the areas affected who have had to leave their homes yesterday to seek temporary shelter, and who may face the same situation again if threats continue.
• The safety employees who travel from different areas outside Beirut, who continue to come to work despite the risks they face while commuting.
• The well-being and strength of all employees as they faithfully carry out their duties during this challenging time.

Thank you for standing with us.

Images: Left, damage to Al-Kafaàt Village Campus in recent strikes. Above: Displaced families shelter in Al-Kafaàt campus outside Beirut.

12 MARCH

** Urgent prayer request from Lebanon

As the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel continues, Israeli forces have issued further large-scale evacuation warnings across Beirut’s suburbs, including in a number of the areas where our long-term partners live and work. There have been sweeping orders for residents to leave whole of southern Lebanon as Israel threatens to take the territory by force. Please pray that all those fleeing will find safety and shelter. As the crisis continues to escalate, please pray for restraint and mercy from those on both sides of the conflict.

11 MARCH

An update from Iraq

Please pray for our partners in Erbil, northern Iraq. They tell us that it is a very difficult and tense time for the city:

“There has been continuous shelling by Iran and militias affiliated with it in Iraq…The situation has created a great deal of fear among residents, as the shelling continues almost daily. During the attacks, windows and doors shake strongly, especially when drones are intercepted and their fragments fall over residential areas.

At the same time, prices in Erbil have risen significantly. For example, a gas cylinder that previously cost around $6 now costs about $18, and the price continues to increase. Electricity outages have also reached up to 16 hours per day, forcing people to rely again on private neighborhood generators…

Overall, the situation is very difficult. Despite everything, we thank God for His protection, and we continue to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary, trusting that she is watching over us and keeping us safe.”

9 MARCH

Another weekend of shelling in Lebanon

Our partners tell us that it’s been another weekend of intense shelling in Lebanon. They report that the situation is still escalating and the needs are growing.

Those in the areas around Beirut considered safer are continuing to see an influx of displaced families desperately seeking shelter. They are working hard to distribute much-needed basic supplies and are also launching mental health support for those struggling to deal with the stress and trauma of the situation.

Many of our partners have had to close their education centres for safety reasons, but they are shifting to online education to ensure children still have access to lessons.

7 MARCH

Blanket and mattress distribution in Lebanon

Our partner MERATH (Middle East Revive and Thrive) have been distributing blankets and mattresses to emergency shelters. They have also asked for our prayers:

“We ask you to pray that displaced families find shelter, and that they are protected and able to safely return home. Pray for peace in the region, for protection over Lebanon, and for strength and wisdom for our ministry and partners as they continue to stand with those in need.”

6 MARCH

A difficult night in Beirut

With 26 airstrikes hitting the Beirut area last night, we are grateful to have heard from our partners today. Many of their centres are based within the ever-expanding evacuation zone and have had to close. However, this does not mean that they have ceased operations, far from it. As always our partners are the epitome of love in action, pivoting their activities and services to ensure that the most urgent and crucial needs are met. Please pray for them as they endeavour to provide for the more than 90,000 displaced locally whilst also attending to the safety of their own staff and their families.

Here are some of the messages we received this morning:

‘The centre is not damaged and staff have reached home safely. We kept the windows on our buildings and cars open so that the powerful explosions would not break the glass. So far it has worked.’

‘The situation around us is not very good. I can see black pillars of smoke rising not far from the centre. The southern suburb of Beirut is almost empty as many people have fled – I saw some families sleeping in vans and cars.’

‘Thanks be to God, we are all safe. We are outside of the area of heavy shelling. Our centre is welcoming children from displaced families who are residing with host families among our beneficiaries, they are taking part in our usual programme of activities.’

Our partner Caritas Jerusalem have shared this video detailing their response to the most recent escalations in Gaza and the West Bank:

5 MARCH

Urgent Prayer Request

Israeli forces have issued immediate evacuation orders to large parts of Beirut’s suburbs. Issuing a warning to ‘Save your lives, evacuate your homes immediately’. The roads in Beirut are already clogged with traffic from people trying to flee, making it harder for families to get out. Some of our partners and their staff are in the evacuation zones. Please pray for them and for all affected.

Rapidly deteriorating situation in the West Bank, with increased movement restrictions and settler violence

As the eyes of the world are on the dramatic events unfolding across the Gulf States, the situation in the West Bank is rapidly deteriorating. We received this update from the Diocese of Jerusalem:

“Widespread closures and severe movement restrictions have been imposed throughout cities, towns, and villages, making daily life extraordinarily difficult. Checkpoints, roadblocks, and sudden closures have limited people’s ability to move freely, access workplaces, reach schools, or obtain medical care.

 At the same time, settler violence has sharply escalated. Attacks on Palestinian communities have become more frequent and more aggressive, creating an atmosphere of fear and instability. Access to basic needs — including food, medical care, and essential supplies — is increasingly restricted. Many families feel that nowhere is truly safe.

Just yesterday, two Palestinians were killed in the north following a settler attack. They reportedly bled to death after ambulances were prevented from reaching them due to restrictions imposed by Israeli soldiers. Incidents like this deepen the sense of despair and helplessness felt by many.

Your prayers and solidarity are a powerful source of comfort and strength during these extremely painful times.”

The update we’ve had from our partner the DSPR (Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees) paints a similar picture of the stark reality:

“Missiles have been falling in the vicinity of our cities and villages across the West Bank, and in some cases shrapnel has landed inside residential areas. At the same time, the Israeli occupation has intensified the measures, including increased arrests, road closures, and further restrictions on movement. We are also witnessing a dangerous escalation in settler violence and related crimes, seemingly taking advantage of the world’s preoccupation with the broader regional war.

Regarding Gaza, the people there are still suffering the devastating consequences of the genocidal war, profound loss, trauma, and the daily struggle to survive amid severe shortages in all sectors and the continued closure of crossings. The humanitarian and psychological toll remains overwhelming.

Thank you again for your solidarity and partnership. It means a great deal to us and to the communities we serve.”

4 MARCH

Latest from Lebanon – providing water & medical care for displaced families as airstrikes continue

Our partner the Karagheusian Healthcare Centre in northern Beirut tell us that they are seeing an influx of people coming to their centre as people from South Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut flee their homes. The staff there are not only offering primary medical care but are also able to provide displaced families with drinking water and, thanks to the centre’s solar panels, it’s a place where they can charge their mobile phones. Here are a few pictures of what’s been going on at the centre today:

Lord Jesus,

By your patience in suffering,

you hallowed earthly pain

and gave us the example

of obedience to your Father’s will.
We ask you to be near us

in our time of weakness and pain,
sustain us by your grace,

and heal us according to your will.

Amen.

2 MARCH

An update from Lebanon

As conflict spreads across the region and airstrikes hit Beirut and southern Lebanon today, our partners there tell us that once again fear and turmoil face the country. They are receiving lots of requests for help – including requests for blankets, food and shelter as families once again flee their homes in fear of the airstrikes.

Just as in the conflict of Autumn 2024, our partners are already responding, turning their centres into shelters and drawing up emergency plans. Many of our partners’ staff live in neighbourhoods that are directly affected. All are living with the fear and uncertainty of what will come next for Lebanon. One message to us read: “We continue to pray for peace in the region and ask that you please keep us in your prayers.”

Missile attacks and movement restrictions – an update from Jerusalem

Our partner Caritas Jeruslam provide medical care and humanitarian aid across Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. Their team in Jerusalem sent us this update:

“Jerusalem and other major cities are experiencing continuous missile and rocket fire, with repeated air raid sirens and emergency alerts throughout the day and night. Residents are spending extended hours in shelters, and sleep disruption has become widespread due to persistent alarms…

Movement restrictions have intensified significantly, with all military checkpoints closed until further notice. This has effectively halted travel between governorates, including the main crossings between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and between Bethlehem and Hebron, which are currently sealed from both directions. These closures have disrupted regular mobility and coordination across field locations.

Despite the escalating situation, Caritas Jerusalem confirms that its humanitarian operations in Gaza continue as planned, with field teams maintaining critical service delivery under strict security protocols. In addition, both of our medical centers in Taybeh and Gaza remain fully operational and are delivering essential health services to vulnerable communities under challenging and high-risk conditions…

In this difficult time, Caritas Jerusalem calls upon its partners, supporters, and friends around the world to stand in solidarity and join in prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of all civilians in the Holy Land and the wider region.”

28 FEBRUARY

Statement from Bishop Hosam, following US, Israeli and Iranian strikes across the region

“Suddenly, our people, from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf find themselves once again huddled in shelters, fearing for our lives as the shadow of total regional war looms over us… We must remain bridge builders. Even as diplomatic windows seem to slam shut, the Church must keep the doors of reconciliation open. We refuse to see our neighbours as enemies…”

The words of Most Revd Dr Hosam, Bishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East as he urges the Anglican Communion to join in prayer and intercession. Read his statement in full here

Please join us in prayer

We watch with dismay and anguish as violence once again escalates in the region. We ask you to join is in prayer:

10 FEBRUARY

As Caritas Jerusalem continues its work in Gaza, Israel confirms it does not need to re-register as NGO

Our partner Caritas Jerusalem, whose licence as a registered NGO to work in Gaza and the West Bank was revoked by the Israeli authorities in December, has sent us this update:

Caritas Jerusalem confirms that it has received an official communication from the Israeli Inter-Ministerial Team regarding its registration status.

Following a renewed examination, the Inter-Ministerial Team determined that the provisions of the “Guidelines for the Registration of Organizations and Issuance of Recommendations for Their Foreign Employees” related to the interim period are not applicable to Caritas Jerusalem. The communication further states that any previous correspondence on this matter is hereby nullified.

This notification clarifies Caritas Jerusalem’s status and indicates that no further procedures are being pursued by the Inter-Ministerial Committee in relation to re-registration.

Caritas Jerusalem welcomes this outcome and expresses its sincere appreciation to all those who contributed to this positive resolution.

6 FEBRUARY

Our partner Caritas Jerusalem have sent us this update from their clinic in Gaza, telling us:

“Fida’s story reflects the critical role Caritas Jerusalem’s medical teams continue to play in Gaza — delivering life-saving healthcare to families who have nowhere else to turn, even in the most challenging circumstances. Fida’s words speak directly to the difference your partnership makes on the ground, providing essential treatment that many families otherwise have no access to.”

29 JANUARY

Hypothermia and respiratory infections on the rise in Gaza

Our partners report that cases of hypothermia, acute respiratory infections and skin conditions are on the rise in Gaza. Inadequate shelter, overcrowded camps, difficulty accessing clean water and ongoing food shortages are just some of the many challenges facing displaced families. Winter conditions are exacerbating the health crisis, putting more people at risk.

Many have weakened immune systems, leaving them more vulnerable to diseases, while others are in urgent need of reconstructive surgery and ongoing treatment for wounds received during the war.

Continuing critical shortages of medicines, medical supplies and specialist equipment mean many are unable to get appropriate medical care. Embrace’s partner Al Ahli Hospital, in Gaza City, for example, remains the only hospital with a functioning CT scanner. The hospital, run by the Diocese of Jerusalem, continues to provide primary, trauma and secondary healthcare services, including surgeries, lab testing and ultra sounds. Sawsan, Programme Development Officer at the Diocese of Jerusalem, told us:

“People talk about rebuilding Gaza, but what is needed now is to care for and rebuild the people.”

DISABILITY SUPPORT IN GAZA CONTINUES BUT IMPACT OF WAR IS STILL A DAILY REALITY

We’ve an update from the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre team in Gaza as they continue to provide rehabilitative treatment for children with chronic conditions along with those who’ve suffered life-changing injuries because of the war.