Caritas Internationalis has issued a statement condemning the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran on Saturday in which they claim to have dropped over 1,200 bombs, and Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Israel and several other countries in the region, including Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates.
In the statement Caritas Internationalis said:
“These acts of war increase the tension, violence and instability in the region, jeopardising prospects of peace, and constitute grave violations of human dignity, the rule of law, and International Law, including International Humanitarian Law, which protects civilians and non-combatants in conflict. Schools, hospitals, and populated civilian areas, which should be sanctuaries of learning, care and safety, are protected spaces under International Humanitarian Law; attacks on which, deliberately or recklessly, are morally indefensible and legally prohibited.
In this moment of rapidly escalating regional tension, Caritas urges all parties to step back from the brink immediately and diffuse the situation, to refrain from further military action, and to uphold their obligation to protect civilians without exception. The loss of innocent life, particularly that of children, demands urgent restraint and a renewed commitment to diplomacy.”
Responding to the spiralling violence in the Middle East, Pope Leo appealed powerfully for stability and peace, which can only be achieved through reasonable, sincere, dialogue.
Addressing all the parties involved directly, Pope Leo said:
“Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions, I make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm. May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace.”
Caritas Australia unequivocally supports these statements and does so with deep concern for the suffering of innocent people as the conflict intensifies. Working through several local partners across the region, Caritas Australia also stands ready to scale up humanitarian responses as the risk of mass displacement grows amid the escalating violence.
Those who wish to help can donate to Caritas Australia’s Emergency Relief Appeal by visiting www.caritas.org.au/emergency or by calling 1800 024 413 toll free.
Media contact: Tara Harvey 0484 002 021 tara.harvey@caritas.org.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au
