Children in Gaza face a dire situation amid ongoing conflict.

In response to a heartfelt request from Pope Francis, the vehicle he used during his visit to Bethlehem in 2014 is undergoing modifications to serve as a mobile health clinic in a war zone. The charity organization Caritas, overseeing this initiative, has confirmed that the vehicle will be equipped with essential supplies for frontline care, including rapid tests, suture kits, syringes, oxygen supplies, vaccines, and a small refrigerator for storing medications.

The Vatican has expressed that this project represents the Pope’s “final wish for the children of Gaza” before his passing last month. Currently stationed in Bethlehem, the vehicle awaits the opening of a humanitarian corridor by Israel to enter Gaza.

According to UNICEF, the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has tragically resulted in the deaths of over 15,000 children and displaced nearly one million individuals since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023. The situation has worsened as Israel has restricted humanitarian aid from entering the region for more than two months, leaving families in desperate need of food, clean water, and medical supplies.

Caritas remains poised to act as soon as Israel reopens the aid corridor. Peter Brune, Secretary General of Caritas Sweden, stated, “With the vehicle, we will be able to reach children who today have no access to health care – children who are injured and malnourished.”

A dedicated team of doctors will operate the mobile clinic, equipped to examine and treat patients, while a specially designated driver will facilitate transportation. Some logistical details, such as ensuring the vehicle’s safety from potential blasts, are still being finalized, according to Mr. Brune.

“This vehicle symbolizes a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza,” he emphasized.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis consistently spoke out about the conflict in Gaza, describing the humanitarian crisis there as “shameful.” In his final Easter Sunday address, he called upon all “warring parties” to agree to a ceasefire, highlighting the suffering experienced by both Palestinians and Israelis.

During the 18-month conflict, the Pope reportedly reached out to parishioners in Gaza nightly to check on their well-being. He also suggested that the international community should investigate whether Israel’s military actions in Gaza could be classified as genocide, a claim that Israel has firmly denied.

The popemobile, which is being repurposed into a mobile health clinic, is one of several specially designed vehicles that allow the Pope to engage with large crowds during official visits. This vehicle enables him to sit or stand while greeting well-wishers, ensuring they have a clear view of him, all while being accompanied by security personnel.

Historically, popemobiles featured bullet-proof designs following the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981. However, Pope Francis has expressed his preference for a more open design, stating in a 2014 interview with Spanish media that he disliked the glass “sardine can” style that distanced him from the people.

The Israeli military launched a campaign to dismantle Hamas following an unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages taken. Reports indicate that Hamas continues to hold 59 hostages.

According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, Israel’s military operations have led to the deaths of at least 52,243 Palestinians.

On Monday, Israel’s security cabinet reportedly approved a plan to resume the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid through private companies. However, the UN and other aid organizations have stated that this proposal would violate fundamental humanitarian principles, leading them to refuse to cooperate.