Embrace Partner Updates

Latest news from Gaza, Israel, the West Bank & Lebanon

Flooded camp in Gaza, December 2025. (Credit: Hosny Salah)

Our partners are directly affected by, and have been responding to, the Israel-Hamas conflict. We are in regular contact with our partners in the region and, on this page, we will continue to share updates, and prayer requests as they come in. We also have a dedicated prayer page.

CRISIS APPEAL: The long-term damage of the war in Gaza on a physical, psychological and structural level is immense, and it has also hugely affected the West Bank, Israel and the wider region. Its impact will be felt for decades to come. Embrace’s partners have been providing vital humanitarian support throughout the war and will continue to do so. Please also give what you can to our Christmas Appeal. Your generosity will mean our partners can get help to where it is needed most.

LATEST UPDATES 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.”