Hundreds of people have been reported killed and many more injured following a series of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.
This marks the most significant escalation since the ceasefire agreement in January, exacerbating the crisis spurred by a two-week blockade that has deprived Gazans of critical aid and essentials.
Christian aid organisation CAFOD has responded with dismay at the situation.
"The renewed onslaught on Gaza by Israel is deeply troubling," said Elizabeth Funnell, of CAFOD’s Middle East programs.
"The resurgence of conflict not only brings more suffering and fatalities but also complicates efforts towards releasing hostages."
Funnell urgently called upon the UK government to denounce the "overnight atrocities by Israeli forces" and to use diplomatic avenues to reinstate the ceasefire and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid.
Funnell further pressed for an immediate cessation of UK arms sales to Israel, in adherence to provisional measures set by the International Court of Justice, aiming to halt their potential involvement in international law violations.
"Our partners, who have been unwavering in their support for the people of Gaza, are foremost in our thoughts during this trying time," she added.
Caritas Jerusalem, a key partner of CAFOD, reported significant damage inflicted by airstrikes on residential areas and shelters, including a school providing refuge to displaced Palestinians.
The organisation has put a temporary hold on its operations within Gaza amid safety concerns but remains committed to resuming humanitarian efforts as soon as feasible.
"We implore an immediate halt to hostilities and an end to the loss of innocent lives," Caritas Jerusalem said in a statement.
Israel's President Isaac Herzog said on Tuesday that the Israeli military's "renewal of fighting" is to achieve "the critical moral goal of returning the kidnapped, and of course restoring full security to all residents of the State of Israel".
Israel says Hamas is still holding 59 hostages - with 24 believed to still be alive.
US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said on Wednesday that "Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war".
President Donald Trump has yet to comment on the developments.
Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said the military action was "fully coordinated with Washington".
