Starvation has all the times been the scourge that afflicts nations in this world, while efforts to overcome this chronic problem have all the times been short of providing a viable panacea.
Apart from blaming climate change that adversely affects food production, one of the major and most outstanding cause of starvation is the incessant propagation of wars, or rather destructive wars that eliminate all sources of life.
In our modern time, two major wars have erupted, wreaked havoc on food production, and catapulted their relevant countries into an endless vicious circle of chronic starvation, namely Sudan and Gaza Strip.
With reference to the mounting starvation in the Gaza Strip, Catholic charities affiliated with the Catholic Church left no stone unturned in their quest to eliminate the specter of hunger. Efforts in this regard were steady and assiduous, as no time was wasted for attaining relevant tangible results.
Press reports have indicated that on July 18, 2024, Apostolic Nuncio Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso forwarded humanitarian aid, which included medicines and medical equipment to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO), which were destined for the Gaza Strip.
This aid was in compliance with the announcement made by Holy See Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher during his visit to the JHCO's warehouses in March 2024, that His Holiness Pope Francis would make a donation to help the people of Gaza through Caritas Jordan.
This measure provides an unwavering confirmation of the commitment by the Catholic Church and Caritas Jordan to continue to provide support to the people in the Gaza Strip, at a time when they face challenges caused by war, as they urgently need to receive various kinds of assistance including food, water, medicines, and basic commodities.
On the other hand, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a press release dated July 24, 2024 which states that after the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Order of Malta, an additional aid delivery would reach the people in northern Gaza, which is the second delivery of vital relief. The aid included a total of 40 tons of non-perishable food in kits which were delivered for distribution.
The statement says, "While the second humanitarian relief delivery has been successfully completed, further planning is already in progress. In addition to the provision of non-perishable food, ready-to-eat meals and specialized food for malnourished children and adults as well as other essential supplies, plans are under way to identify ways to provide medical care on the ground."
Furthermore, the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA)-Pontifical Mission continues efforts and partner with the local Church and humanitarian organizations to relieve hunger and provide basic humanitarian needs for the people in Gaza impacted by the war, whereby since the start of the war, a donation made by CNEWA provided hot meals to 760 displaced people sheltering at two churches in Gaza City, namely St. Porphyrios Church and the Holy Family Church, as well as in the vicinity and other neighborhoods in the city. CNEWA donations also included supporting the ongoing delivery of food packages to 150 families in Gaza City in coordination with the local church. Packages include basic food supplies such as 4.4 lbs of wheat flour, one liter of cooking oil, eight ounces of halva, and canned olives.
Among the numerous Christian organizations that run appeals to provide support and essential items for the suffering people of the Holy Land are CAFOD, Aid to the Church in Need, and Friends of the Holy Land.
It is important in this regard to note the words of Lord Jesus Christ who said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6: 35)
This implies that coming to Lord Jesus will ultimately cast out hatred, violence and wars, and turn them into love, common living, and peace, which ultimately keeps starvation at bay. At this point, may peace prevail everywhere under the aegis of the Almighty Lord, while peoples everywhere may live free from grudge and wars.
