Embrace Partner Updates

LATEST UPDATES

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:

3 MARCH

Responding with Practical Action and Prayer

Our Lebanese partner Thimar-LSESD report that dozens of airstrikes have hit Beirut’s southern suburbs and the south of Lebanon. Evacuation orders have been issued to over 50 villages in the south meaning that tens of thousands of people are now displaced and seeking refuge in public spaces. They are already responding to meet basic needs for families, providing mattresses, blankets and other essentials.

“The needs are huge and expected to grow as the conflict in the Middle East worsens with no immediate end in sight.”

Please join our partners in prayer…

…for peace: As the war escalates rapidly, many are worried about what this war could turn into. We pray for restraint and for wisdom among the leaders, and for mercy upon this land.

…for the region: Pray for protection over civilians, safe passage for the displaced, mental health for those who have been worn out for so long now, mothers and fathers attempting to explain what’s happening to their children.

…for discernment: As His people, we are called once again to be light in the midst of darkness. This is the early phase; our ministries are reflecting on how best we can be serving in this time. Pray for wisdom as we navigate our response in this war and reflect His image to all the people we’re working with.

From our partners MECC (The Middle East Council of Churches)

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.”

28 JANUARY

7 JANUARY