The humanitarian crisis as a wildfire

Gaza Strip

The situation in the Gaza Strip is devastating. There is not enough to eat, hardly any medical care and housing conditions are precarious. Since Hamas’ attack on Israel in 2023 and Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip, the situation has steadily worsened. At times, it was almost impossible to bring aid to the region. To make matters worse, many of the local staff are themselves affected, have lost family members or have had to flee. Nevertheless, Caritas was able to distribute blankets, tents and hygiene products almost continuously and provide psychological support.

Lebanon

In neighbouring Lebanon too, the military conflicts primarily affected the civilian population. Caritas Switzerland has been working in the country for 12 years and has been able to continue its projects despite the fighting. They were regularly adapted to changing needs, particularly as thousands of people fled from the south to the north. Thanks to cash payments, beneficiaries were able to purchase urgently needed items such as medication and household items or pay rent at their new location.

Syrien

In 2024, almost half a million people from Lebanon sought refuge in Syria. The security situation in the country is extremely dire and the economic situation is disastrous. Caritas Switzerland’s projects provided children from particularly poor families with tutoring, supported ideas for small businesses and provided psychological help. Even before the overthrow of ruler Bashar al-Assad on 8 December 2024, more than 70 per cent of the population was dependent on humanitarian aid. Caritas Switzerland and its partners responded to the changed situation within days, immediately launching a new emergency aid project.

«On the night of 27th September, a rocket attack hit our neighbourhood. I will never forget the sound, even though I had already experienced the war in 2006 and the massive port explosion in Beirut in 2020. It never sounded so threatening.

At four o’clock in the morning, I put my father, who has dementia, in the car and sought shelter in the Caritas office before we drove to the north the next day. There I stayed in a small hotel room with my elderly parents. While I was taking care of them, I coordinated the work of Caritas. The multiple burdens were great, but they also distracted me.

After the ceasefire, the acute fear subsided. However, normality did not return. Classes often took place only online, prices had skyrocketed. The ailing economy in Lebanon, which has been in crisis for decades, is compounded by the collective traumas caused by the war. I wonder what the future holds for children, society and the region. I hope that we shall overcome the current crisis. I long for peace and everyday life.»