Enter Search Term:

Palestine & Israel

Trócaire condemns death of aid partners in Gaza

Trócaire is devastated to learn of the death of our fellow aid workers from partner agency Caritas Jerusalem

Pharmacist Issam Abedrabbo in the Caritas Jerusalem clinic in Gaza giving essential medicines to a family. Photo: Mark Stedman / Trócaire) Pharmacist Issam Abedrabbo in the Caritas Jerusalem clinic in Gaza giving essential medicines to a family. Photo: Mark Stedman / Trócaire)

Trócaire is devastated to learn of the death of our fellow aid workers from partner agency Caritas Jerusalem.

On November 21, Issam Abedrabbo, a dedicated pharmacist at Caritas Jerusalem since 2019, was killed in an attack in Gaza.

Originally from the Remal area in Gaza City, Issam had sought refuge in what was deemed a secure location, Nusriat in Wadi Gaza.

At 35 years old, Issam, a widower and father of three, tragically lost his life, alongside his two sons, in a devastating bombardment. Miraculously, his three-year-old daughter survived.

The destruction extended beyond Issam’s family; the same building housed numerous civilians, including his mother, sisters, and brother, all of whom perished.

Other family members and residents remain trapped under the rubble.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this heartbreaking time.

In October, Viola (26), another Caritas Jerusalem staff member was killed alongside her husband and infant daughter in an airstrike attack on the St. Porphyrios Church in Gaza. Viola’s sister and her two children were also killed. The church provided refuge for 400 plus people including Caritas staff and their families. At least 17 people lost their lives.

Caoimhe de Barra, Trócaire’s CEO, said: “Hundreds of thousands of Gazans have been forced to flee their homes and seek shelter in UN facilities, schools, places of worship or with friends and family. But nowhere is safe from the bombing. If Israel initiates a full-scale ground assault of Gaza it will inevitably lead to the death of more innocent women, men and children. This collective punishment of the population, around half of whom are children, is illegal under international law.”

Take Action

Sign our petition

Trócaire echoes calls from the United Nations and other international and humanitarian bodies for the following to be implemented immediately:

  • An immediate end to hostilities and violations of international law and human rights.
  • The creation of humanitarian corridors to allow the safe passage of humanitarian personnel and relief items to Gaza.
  • The agreement of a ceasefire.
  • The immediate release and return of hostages and those arbitrarily detained.
  • The holding to account of those deemed to have committed war crimes under international law.

Gaza has been under a blockade for 16 years. Trócaire has worked in Israel and the Palestinian territory since 2002, addressing human rights violations and providing humanitarian aid. We work with both Palestinian and Israeli partners to further the cause of peace and understanding in the region.

“The world must unite around the principle of protecting civilians,” de Barra said.

“Attacks against civilians violate international humanitarian law. Israel must ensure full respect for international humanitarian and human rights law in all military operations. The collective punishment being inflicted on ordinary Gazans through continued airstrikes and the complete blockade of the territory is a war crime under international law and is to be condemned outright. The indiscriminate targeting of civilians and hostage taking by Hamas is also a war crime and is to be condemned outright.”

“We are continuing to support our partners at this crucial time as they try to provide humanitarian support to those who are affected by the conflict. They have told us that the situation in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis of almost unimaginable proportions. Our partners in Gaza and their families are facing the same threats as the rest of the population. We pray that they remain safe over the coming days. They will be ready to continue their work on the ground helping those affected by this crisis as soon as they can safely do so.”


A tweet from Trócaire’s partner, Caritas, featuring a devastating video of the bombing aftermath

Donate Now