After more than six months of conflict in Gaza, the humanitarian situation is seriously deteriorating. More than 34,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis and foreigners have lost their lives, 70% of whom are women and children. Food insecurity reaches unsustainable levels, affecting more than a million people who struggle to access basic food.

Internal displacement remains a reality for 75% of Gaza's population, while the lack of food, clean water and basic services further aggravates living conditions. Additionally, vital infrastructure, such as hospitals, water and electricity services, has been severely damaged, making access to humanitarian aid difficult.

Amid this crisis, aid delivery procedures face multiple obstacles, from lengthy clearances to communications disruptions and fuel shortages. Caritas staff and partners continue to work tirelessly, despite operational and security challenges.

In the West Bank, restrictions on movement and escalating violence have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, causing a significant increase in forced displacement and seriously affecting people's livelihoods.

In response to this situation, Caritas has updated its contingency plan and is working closely with local authorities and other humanitarian organizations to provide life-saving assistance to those who need it most. The international community is urged to provide greater support and protection to humanitarian workers and to increase aid, especially amid growing warnings of famine in Gaza.

Caritas is committed to continuing to work to alleviate the suffering of affected communities and to advocate for peace and justice in the region.

For more information on the regional impact of the crisis and Caritas' responses see next page.

With information from Caritas Internationalis and photography from Cáritas Jerusalem.