In collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Sovereign Order of Malta and Malteser International launched a large-scale emergency humanitarian relief initiative in May 2024 to address the urgent needs of the Christian communities and their neighbors in Gaza City.

The operation was inaugurated by a pastoral visit from His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, to the Parish of Gaza on May 16, 2024, accompanied by Fra’ Alessandro de Franciscis, Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Order of Malta, and Thomas Weiss, Head of Malteser International Middle East Department. This historic visit, made possible through months of careful preparation and coordination, marked the beginning of the Order of Malta and Patriarchate’s intensified relief mission. During this visit, essential aid packages were distributed to the community sheltering in the Holy Family compound, offering immediate support to those in need.

“The generosity of so many donors, the expertise of Malteser International, our International Relief Agency, and the beautiful and fruitful collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem have moved me enormously”, declared Grand Hospitaller Fra’ Alessandro De Franciscis. “And it moves me to think that in the Church and with the local Church we have been able to help so many poor families and so many sick people in the Land where Jesus walked and preached and so close to Jerusalem where our Order was born over 900 years ago. I hope and we hope to be able to continue such service in the future”.

Despite formidable logistical and security challenges, the Order of Malta and the Latin Patriarchate arranged shipments of critical aid and also ensured their safe delivery and distribution to the heart of Northern Gaza. Every step of the process, from shipment to final delivery, was meticulously coordinated to guarantee that aid reached those in need.

In September 2024, the operation reached a pivotal milestone with the delivery of 20 tons of fresh fruits and vegetables, alongside 40 tons of food and hygiene supplies. By October, this effort doubled, resulting in 40 tons of fresh produce reaching the community.

In November, the relief initiative delivered critical support to over 1,000 families from the Christian community and neighboring areas near the Holy Family compound, with each family receiving 20 kilograms of non-perishable goods. Simultaneously, 5,000 families were provided with 5 kilograms of fresh fruits and vegetables each.

In total, the operation has distributed approximately 140 tons of aid, benefiting nearly 40,000 individuals—10% of the population remaining in northern Gaza after the massive displacement of circa two million residents.

Looking ahead, the Order of Malta, in collaboration with Malteser International and Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, is committed to sustaining this vital mission. Plans are underway to deliver two shipments per month, each carrying 100 tons of essential supplies. Additionally, efforts are advancing to establish a medical facility within the Holy Family compound to address urgent healthcare needs.