Weekly devotion: As famine looms, pray for Gaza
Caritas, Gaza
Palestinians inspect a building destroyed by Israeli airstrikes (credit: Mahmoud Fareed, via Wikimedia Commons).
The cost of food and basic supplies in Gaza has sky-rocketed since the Israel-Hamas war began on 7 October. The Red Cross reports that animal feed has replaced flour across Gaza but even this is practically unaffordable; in some parts of Gaza, it has gone up by 3,000%.
The entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza has been severely restricted over the past 7 months, with a tiny fraction of the 500 trucks of aid that entered daily before the war managing to cross the border. Even the trucks that do make it into Gaza don’t always reach the most vulnerable, due to ongoing fighting and the chaotic security system.
The head of the UN World Food Program said on 3 May 2024 that the north of Gaza is now in “full-blown famine”, although it is impossible to verify this due to the ongoing military activity. The situation is also worsening rapidly in the south. Malnutrition is extremely serious for everyone, especially children and the elderly, as it reduces immunity and exacerbates infection.
Around 20% of Gaza’s population has once again been displaced this week – mainly in Rafah, due to the Israeli army’s ground incursion, but also in the Jabalia camp in northern Gaza after the Israeli military returned there.
In this context of ongoing violence, displacement and sky-high inflation, our partner Caritas Jerusalem is continuing to faithfully serve people in need. They have set up temporary clinics in Rafah and Gaza City to respond to urgent health needs. Embrace is supporting them to provide cash assistance to the Christian community, as well as to vulnerable communities that Caritas served before the war. This vital assistance is helping families to pay for their basic needs.
Bible reading
‘There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.’
Psalm 46: 4-7
Prayer
Loving God,
We look to you as we see the continuing devastation in Gaza.
We pray for protection for those still in Rafah and those who are fleeing, particularly the children, the sick and the elderly.
We commit Embrace’s partners to you. Give them boldness, strength and courage as they continue to serve. Please protect them as they give sacrificially to others.
We plead for an immediate ceasefire, for the release of all hostages, and for the safe and swift delivery of aid to all who need it.
We ask all of this in the name of the Prince of Peace, your Son and our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
READ MORE:
Embrace statement following evacuation orders in Rafah:
“We are deeply concerned about the welfare of our partners and the communities that they serve.”
Inspired by what you read here? Share it on social (don’t forget to tag Embrace!):