Parishes have been urged to support and pray for the people caught up in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Bishop Nick has sent a personal message round all churches this week urging them to join him to help those most in need in the crisis in the Middle East. 
Christian Aid is also calling on churches to help support as the charity reports widespread destruction with medical services and healthcare at breaking point.
So far, more than 1176 Palestinian civilians have died while hundreds of thousands more hae been displaced from their homes and are unable to get out of Gaza.
“I urge you to join me in helping those caught up in the massive humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The situation there is complex at just about every level. But what is beyond dispute, is the urgent need for medical supplies and resources to treat all casualties and this is where we can help.
The Diocese of Jerusalem has launched an emergency appeal for the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. This Anglican hospital is doing some amazing work responding to the civilian casualties. The Jerusalem and Middle East Church Association is helping to facilitate the appeal in the UK and you can directly help it here:
http://www.jmeca.org.uk/gaza%E2%80%99s-al-ahli-hospital-appeals-urgent-help
The Archbishop of Canterbury has made a statement that can be read here http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/5382/statement-from-archbishop-justin-on-gaza
Christian Aid is asking all churches to collect this Sunday for Gaza and you can download posters for church, order donation envelopes and donate directly here: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/gaza-emergency-appeal
As we stood together earlier this week to mark the anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, it is vital that together we face – with humility and courage - the shame that those commemorations take place in a context of renewed bloodshed in all parts of the globe.
I urge you and your parishes to continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Israel-Palestine, and the wider Middle East where the suffering is overwhelming and the church under huge pressure and where possible, to support all those caught up in this bloodshed. ”
As ever in Christ.
