Christian Aid charities have issued an urgent warning that violence in the Middle East threatens to plunge an already fragile region into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The alert follows Iran’s launch of a wave of missiles at Israel early on Thursday, sending millions of residents scrambling into bomb shelters.
Christian Aid partners report overwhelmed shelters in Lebanon
According to Premier Christian News, the attack marks the sixth day of the escalating US-Israel conflict with Iran. It came just hours after moves to halt the American air assault were blocked in Washington.
Christian Aid reported that its partners across the region are witnessing rapidly worsening conditions as relentless attacks continue. The organisation fears severe food shortages in Gaza, overflowing shelters in Lebanon, and severely limited relief operations in Israel.
According to the charity, families in Gaza are growing increasingly desperate about running out of food, with most border crossings remaining sealed. Local partners report that the price of some essential goods has doubled in recent days, while certain items have completely disappeared from markets.
Despite the overwhelming pressure, Christian Aid confirmed that its partners on the ground continue to operate. This is by relying on established relationships with suppliers inside Gaza while the banking system remains functional.
In southern Lebanon, Christian Aid’s partners described displacement so severe that evacuating the most vulnerable has become impossible. They report there is no space left in Beirut’s shelters.
Patrick Watt, Chief Executive of Christian Aid, delivered a stark condemnation of the international response.
“Innocent civilians are paying the price for international political failure in the Middle East. As an advocate of international law, the UK Government must reject the ‘might is right’ approach to politics and push for an immediate de-escalation,” Watt said.
Tearfund joins call for immediate ceasefire
Tearfund, another leading Christian charity, echoed the warning. It states that the latest escalation risks deepening the humanitarian catastrophe already gripping the region.
Safa Hijazeen, Tearfund’s Regional Director for the Middle East, painted a grim picture of families struggling to survive.
“In Gaza, the closure of border crossings and blockade of humanitarian aid in response to the conflict is putting further strain on those already struggling to survive,” Hijazeen said.
Hijazeen explains that families are in real danger of running out of food and aid unless Israel fully reopens all border crossings and allows unrestricted aid to enter freely.
She added that in Lebanon, violence is forcing tens of thousands of people from their homes. Also, families are fleeing with nothing, seeking shelter in a country already struggling with economic collapse and limited resources.
Meanwhile, both charities are now calling on the UK Government to use its influence to secure an immediate ceasefire. IT also warns that only a halt to the fighting can prevent further suffering and allow humanitarian assistance to reach those most in need.
In another development, renowned Spanish chef José Andrés has issued an urgent warning that World Central Kitchen (WCK), will run out of food. He emphasizes that WCK will be forced to halt operations unless Israeli authorities reopen closed border crossings into Gaza.
Similarly, thirty-seven international aid groups dragged Israel to High Court. The groups petition judges to block a government order that would force them to halt all operations in the occupied Palestinian territory.