CARE Statement on the Crisis in the Middle East

July 20, 2006 — The escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, Israel and in the West Bank and Gaza has created a humanitarian disaster. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes and many more are without access to basic, life preserving services. The number of civilians killed and injured in all three locations is rising as each day passes.

CARE urges all parties of the conflict to protect the lives of civilians, especially children, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.

CARE urges the international community to ensure humanitarian access in order to mitigate the pain and suffering experienced by those unfortunate enough to be caught in the violence.

CARE calls on the international community to take immediate action to resolve the crisis through peaceful means.

CARE has worked in the region since 1948, beginning in Israel and now in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as Jordan, Yemen and Egypt. In coordination with other humanitarian agencies, CARE is significantly expanding relief operations to accommodate the growing need.