We are deeply saddened by the recent escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza, and we join all those calling for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian assistance into Gaza.  

We are concerned for the lives of people with cystic fibrosis in the region, mostly children, doubly impacted by war. In addition to fear, loss and trauma, war impacts the possibility to access vital care, treatment, water and appropriate nutrition.     

Last year, CF Europe has reacted promptly to the war in Ukraine and thanks to our members and donors we have been able to support people with CF in the area. Likewise, over the past month, we have been in contact with our member patient organisations in Israel and Gaza and with CF specialists to try to find concrete ways to help people with CF affected by the war. We express our solidarity to the CF community and stand together with our members and with other patient organizations in the Middle East and offer our help as needed in these extremely difficult times.  

Unfortunately, we know that reaching out to the territory of Gaza is extremely difficult as even humanitarian agencies are struggling to deliver aid. Heavy bombardments, forced displacement, limited aid and worsening sanitary conditions have increased the risk of public health crisis. Over the past month, hospitals have been hit by deadly strikes or closing down due to lack of staff and resources, there is no water, food, basic medications, and devices such as inhalers cannot function without electricity. The health of people with CF and with other diseases affecting the respiratory tract are doubly impacted by fumes and dust resulting from bombardments.   

We will keep looking into the possibility of getting help specifically for people with CF into Gaza, and we will keep our members up to date.  

While we continue to pay attention and use our voice to demand an immediate ceasefire, we invite all those who wish to, to make a donation to agencies and organisation who are providing healthcare services and humanitarian aid in Gaza. Given the situation, we are unable to guarantee that aid or support will reach exclusively people with CF as these organisations are helping all those needing assistance: 

UNWRA: https://www.unrwa.org/  

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC): https://www.ifrc.org/