Cardinal Pizzaballa Visits Caritas Jerusalem’s Humanitarian Operations in Gaza
June 24, 2026
Crisis Appeal for Health, Emergency Support, and Survival Essentials in Gaza
As part of its Emergency Appeal: Crisis Appeal for Health, Emergency Support, and Survival Essentials in Gaza, Caritas Jerusalem continues to respond to one of the most urgent humanitarian needs facing displaced communities: access to safe drinking water.
Across Gaza, the ongoing crisis has severely damaged water infrastructure, leaving countless families without reliable access to clean water. Today, 91% of households experience water insecurity, while many people survive on less than six liters of water per person per day—far below the minimum amount required to meet basic daily needs. The lack of safe water, combined with overcrowded living conditions, damaged sanitation systems, and limited healthcare services, has significantly increased the risk of disease and has further worsened an already devastating humanitarian situation.
To help address this critical need, Caritas Jerusalem has launched a water trucking intervention, delivering potable drinking water directly to shelters, displacement camps, and communities where access to safe water has been cut off. The intervention is implemented in close coordination with local authorities and community representatives to ensure that the most vulnerable families are reached safely and equitably.
One of the communities currently benefiting from this intervention is the Al-Abraj area, where residents have endured prolonged shortages of clean drinking water.
"We have been suffering from a shortage of clean water in this area," says Yehia Abdo, Regional Director for Al-Abraj. "Caritas Jerusalem has now provided us with clean water, and we are grateful for your kind efforts. This is the best-quality water we have received in a long time. We truly appreciate your support."
He explains that the community's access to water became increasingly difficult after routes were cut off, forcing residents to travel long distances in search of safe drinking water. "This camp has an urgent need for water due to the long distances people must travel after access routes were cut off. We issued an emergency appeal, and Caritas Jerusalem responded. The water quality is excellent. Thank you, Caritas Jerusalem."
For families living through prolonged displacement, access to clean water is more than a basic necessity—it is essential for survival, health, and dignity.
Beyond water trucking, the intervention also includes the distribution of emergency WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) kits containing essential hygiene and dignity items, helping families maintain basic hygiene standards despite the challenging conditions. Together, these interventions aim to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases, protect public health, and preserve the dignity of vulnerable households.
Through its Emergency Appeal, Caritas Jerusalem remains committed to standing alongside the people of Gaza, delivering life-saving assistance where it is needed most and ensuring that families continue to have access to one of life's most fundamental necessities: safe, clean drinking water.
