Embrace Partner Updates

LATEST UPDATES 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