Media CenterCRS Calls for Immediate Humanitarian Access in Gaza
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Megan Gilbert
Catholic Relief Services
410-271-8732
[email protected]
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, October 14, 2023 – Catholic Relief Services (CRS) issued the following statement concerning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza:
“We are alarmed at the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in Gaza. Nearly one million people, almost half the population, are at risk of displacement following an order for people to evacuate the northern part of Gaza. Prior to the order, over 400,000 Palestinians were already displaced. Many who are sick, disabled, injured, or otherwise vulnerable, are unable to comply with this order.
Electricity has been cut off, and critical supplies such as food, fuel and water are running dangerously low, and in some areas have run out completely. Most emergency shelters are beyond capacity and wastewater and sanitation services are overwhelmed; creating the conditions for a public health disaster. After days of intense shelling, hospitals are overwhelmed with treating the injured.
Catholic Relief Services is calling for immediate humanitarian access before a dire humanitarian situation becomes a catastrophe. Civilians in Gaza are entitled to safety and protection, whether in the north or south. We also urge international stakeholders to work towards a cease-fire and an end to the violence that has killed more than 3,000 people.
We join Pope Francis’ call for people worldwide 'to pray that there be peace in Israel and Palestine.'”
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Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency alleviates suffering and provides assistance to people in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. For more information, visit www.crs.org or www.crsespanol.org and follow Catholic Relief Services on social media in English at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube; and in Spanish at: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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