Christ, Prince of Peace,
hear our prayer and lament,
for our suffering sisters and brothers.
Our hearts are heavy as we witness lives torn apart,
as we see the faces of frightened children
and hear the pleas of those without water or food.
We pray for the dead and the grieving,
for the injured and the afraid.
We pray for courage and perseverance,
for those working for healing and to bring aid.
We pray for world leaders,
that they may strive for a just and lasting peace.
God of new beginnings,
in your ways are compassion and hope.
Open our hearts to dialogue and understanding.
Lead us all to answer your call
to become peacemakers
today, and all the days of our life.
Amen.
Millions across the Middle East have fled their homes in search of safety. They urgently need shelter, food and basic supplies.
Our partners are helping these families right now as they arrive in safer areas. Your donations will help with:
emergency healthcare
food packages
safe shelter
hygiene kits
mental health support
cash to buy fuel, blankets and other essentials.
Elizabeth Funnell, Country Programme Representative for the Middle East, comments on the news that Israel’s parliament has voted to ban the work of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA.
After a significant escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, the search for peace in the Middle East is more urgent than ever since the 7 October attack on Israel a year ago.
One year on from the 7 October attack by members of Hamas’ military wing and other armed groups, the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis has deepened every day.
Elizabeth Funnell, Country Programme Representative for the Middle East at CAFOD, comments on the escalating violence in Gaza and the West Bank.
This move is a critical step towards supporting the education, health and wellbeing of Palestinian refugees who rely on UNRWA's essential services.
“There is nowhere left to host the people now being displaced from Rafah," says Elizabeth Funnell, CAFOD's Middle East representative.
The UK government must exert every effort to ensure that this resolution is implemented. As Pope Francis reminds us, peace cannot be achieved through arms.
The International Court of Justice has issued an interim ruling today on South Africa's genocide case against Israel.
Over 1.9 million people have been displaced in Gaza since the conflict began, with many families having to move multiple times.
CAFOD has commented on reports of people sheltering within the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza being killed by sniper fire, and rocket fire shutting off the last generator powering a home for disabled people.
