Overview
- Caritas presented the refurbished “Vehicle of Hope” in Bethlehem, where Cardinal Anders Arborelius blessed it near the Church of the Nativity.
- Caritas says it is pursuing formal clearance to enter Gaza; Israel’s COGAT has not given an on‑record comment and told one outlet it had not yet received a request.
- The mobile clinic is intended for triage and basic pediatric care and is planned to handle up to about 200 consultations a day, including in areas standard ambulances cannot reach.
- The enclosed treatment area is equipped for emergency care, post‑amputation support, diagnostics and vaccinations, with power for six to eight hours off‑grid and reinforced suspension and tires for damaged roads.
- The vehicle was used by Pope Francis during his 2014 Bethlehem visit, was a gift from Mahmoud Abbas, was refitted by Palestinian mechanics for about $15,000, and fulfills one of the late pope’s final wishes.