Two years ago, on October 7, 2023, the world witnessed a horrifying escalation of violence that would reverberate across the region and reshape countless lives. What began with attacks that claimed the lives of more than 1,200 Israelis and left around 250 abducted has since unfolded into a protracted and devastating war. 

Since that day, the conflict has only intensified. The bombardment and military operations in Gaza have resulted in the killing of over 65,000 Palestinians, with a large proportion being women and children. Many more have been wounded, and nearly two million people have been displaced from their homes, forced to seek safety amid ruins. The suffering has spilled beyond Gaza’s borders, with instability and violence affecting Lebanon and raising grave fears of an even broader conflict across the region. 

We pause now, on this sombre anniversary, not simply to look back but to renew our commitment to humanitarian and moral action. We mourn all innocent lives lost, whether Israeli, Palestinian, Lebanese or otherwise, and we condemn without hesitation every act of violence, the destruction, and the displacement that has broken so many families. 

We call again for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, for the safe return of hostages, and for the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance. Aid workers on the ground continue to risk their lives to bring relief, supporting food, water, shelter, medical care, and psychosocial services, and they must be protected, always. 

Over these past two years, Caritas Australia has sought to stand in solidarity with those enduring this nightmare. Our assistance has reached the most vulnerable: providing food to hundreds of thousands, multi-purpose cash support to sustain basic living, and shelter and hygiene items to those forced into overcrowded, makeshift conditions. Thousands of children have also been given psychological and emotional support to begin coping with trauma.  

At home in Australia, we have raised our voices in advocacy—urging our government to press for peace and protection of humanitarian personnel. Our intervention has helped shape dialogue around an international Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Workers, affirming that those who serve must not become victims in the line of duty.  

On this second anniversary, we honour not only those lives already lost, but also those still suffering, displaced, or at risk. Let us recommit to peace, compassion, and justice—for Gaza, for all peoples of the region, and for a future in which dignity and security are shared by everyone.