Caritas Italy has reaffirmed its full solidarity with Caritas Jerusalem following Israel’s announcement of new measures that could restrict the operations of several humanitarian organizations in Gaza and the West Bank.
The Israeli government confirmed that 37 international and local NGOs may be barred from operating in the Palestinian territories if they fail to comply with new registration requirements set by the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism. Under the policy, organizations whose permits are not renewed would be required to halt activities in Gaza and the West Bank by March 1, 2026. The move has drawn criticism from the international community, which warns it could further aggravate the already severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
Among the organizations listed is Caritas Jerusalem, alongside groups such as Médecins Sans Frontières, Oxfam, and the Norwegian Refugee Council. In response, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a statement defending Caritas Jerusalem’s legal standing, stressing that the agency operates as an ecclesiastical legal entity under agreements signed between the Holy See and the State of Israel in 1993 and 1997. The Patriarchate confirmed that Caritas Jerusalem will continue its humanitarian and development work in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem in accordance with its mandate.
Caritas Italy expressed surprise at the Israeli decision. Speaking to Vatican News, deputy director Silvia Sinibaldi emphasized that Caritas Jerusalem already operates under a legally recognized framework and was not engaged in any new registration process. She described the measures as “unexpected” and reaffirmed that Caritas Italy and the wider Caritas network remain firmly committed to supporting Caritas Jerusalem.
Sinibaldi highlighted the essential nature of Caritas Jerusalem’s work, which includes healthcare services, psychosocial support, and emergency assistance for vulnerable communities. Despite daily challenges and instability on the ground, she said the Caritas network will continue to provide both practical support and prayerful solidarity.
Caritas Jerusalem is currently responding to urgent needs during the harsh winter months, supporting families in the West Bank and providing maternal, pediatric, and mental health services in Gaza. Sinibaldi also pointed to the transformation of Pope Francis’ former popemobile into a mobile pediatric clinic, describing it as a powerful symbol of hope in a place where basic services are increasingly scarce.
Reaffirming its stance, Caritas Italy pledged to stand with Caritas Jerusalem in ensuring that life-saving humanitarian assistance continues to reach those most in need across the Holy Land.
Credit: Vatican News
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