War is unfolding across many parts of our world. While the headlines may feel distant, the impacts are not. Human rights anywhere are human rights everywhere. We share one world, and what affects one part of it ultimately affects us all.
Rising petrol prices and increased costs of fertilisers are placing pressure on households and communities. Yet the heaviest burden continues to fall on people living at the heart of conflict, families who have lost homes, livelihoods and loved ones, and who face each day with uncertainty.
At times like these, solidarity and deep compassion are essential.
“What harms them, harms all of humanity”
Pope Leo XIV has not been silent in the face of this suffering. Reflecting on the conflicts devastating communities across the Middle East, he has reminded the world:
“We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, innocent victims of these conflicts. What harms them, harms all of humanity.”
His words echo a profound truth at the heart of our mission. We are not separate. Our shared humanity binds us to one another, calling us to care, to act and to stand alongside those most affected.
Across the region, Caritas Australia and our partners are showing up every day and not giving up, even as the challenges grow more dangerous.
Lebanon: standing with families amid escalating crisis
In Lebanon, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate amid ongoing hostilities and escalating violence. More than one million people have been torn away from their homes, around half of whom are women and children. Families are facing extraordinary hardship, with the cost of living remaining nearly three times higher than pre-war levels.
Despite these conditions, our partner Caritas Lebanon continues to respond with compassion, courage and commitment.
Hear directly from our partners on the ground
We recently heard from Caritas Lebanon staff who are confronting this crisis face to face, delivering emergency assistance while navigating constant risk.
We are providing healthcare through 11 health centres, 12 mobile clinics and 30 shelters, going out to the most dangerous places to support the most vulnerable. We do this so that we can tell our steadfast people: ‘We are here for you. We will keep supporting you, you are showing us how to stand firm and together we will make it through.’
We’re going through a very difficult time and have declared a state of emergency. All departments are on standby to respond to any request, to be there for every person in need, every displaced person, every resident, every individual.
Across Lebanon, many have been forced to leave their homes. Every day, our teams are on the ground, 24/7, working to provide dignity for those displaced. We are delivering medical care, social assistance, protection services and rehabilitating shelters. The needs are urgent. In moments like these, solidarity is an essential lifeline.
Since the war started, we have been living in a critical situation. We activated an emergency response to support families with healthcare and basic needs such as mattresses, blankets, food kits and baby kits for those who have been displaced.
Pope Leo XIV has kept Lebanon firmly in his prayers, calling for an end to violence and a return to dialogue:
“Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace that people await.”
Gaza: a deepening humanitarian and public health emergency
In Gaza, repeated attacks, mass displacement and severe shortages of essential supplies continue to place families at extreme risk. The war has caused catastrophic humanitarian, health, environmental and social consequences, disproportionately affecting women, children and people with disabilities.
Our partners, Caritas Jerusalem, have raised the alarm over a rapidly deteriorating public health situation, with critical risks intensifying across multiple sectors.
Environmental collapse and rising health threats
A widespread and unprecedented surge in rodents has been reported across Gaza, posing an immediate and serious threat to public health. Field observations indicate increasingly aggressive rodent behaviour linked to feeding under rubble. This has contributed to rising rates of infectious disease associated with environmental contamination, compounding risks for already vulnerable communities.
At the same time, the collapse of waste management systems has forced the burning of rubbish within residential areas, as access to landfill sites remains restricted. The burning of plastic and other materials releases toxic fumes, significantly increasing the risk of respiratory illness and other severe health conditions.
Our partners continue to provide lifesaving care
Despite these immense challenges, Caritas Jerusalem continues to deliver vital healthcare services through its medical centre in Gaza. This includes cardiac diagnostics and treatment for chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.
As access to medicines becomes increasingly limited, our partners remain one of the few providers ensuring the availability of essential medications. As a result, patient numbers have risen significantly.
There is also an urgent need to expand maternal health services across Gaza, particularly through the provision of ultrasound and Doppler equipment, to ensure women can access essential care during pregnancy and childbirth.
Why solidarity matters
In every place where conflict has stripped away certainty and safety, our partners are choosing presence and hope.
Solidarity is compassion in action. It is recognising that the suffering of others is bound to our own humanity, and that peace is built when we stand together across borders and differences.
As a global Caritas family, and as Australians, we are called to respond with generosity, prayer and practical support.
You can help
Your support enables Caritas Australia and our partners on the ground to continue delivering healthcare, shelter, food and protection to families facing unimaginable hardship.
