Canadian Red Cross Statement

The Canadian Red Cross shares the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement’s deep concerns about the humanitarian consequences of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the impacts on civilian populations. Our message is clear, under International Humanitarian Law, civilians must not be targeted.
 
The instructions issued by the Israeli authorities for the population of Gaza City to immediately leave their homes, coupled with the complete siege explicitly denying them food, water, and electricity, are not compatible with International Humanitarian Law.

When military powers order people to leave their homes, all possible measures must be taken to ensure the population has access to basic necessities such as food and water, and that members of the same family are not separated.

The strength of the Red Cross is our combination of community-based and global support. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest disaster relief organization in the world. When an emergency is too severe for the local support systems to respond, the global Red Cross Red Crescent response is initiated quickly.

The Canadian Red Cross has a long history of support for the work of Magen David Adom (MDA) that are members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). The Canadian Red Cross will continue to provide support to national societies to enable them to provide humanitarian assistance to anyone in need and to the best of their ability under challenging circumstances.

The work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent is guided by the seven fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, unity, voluntary service and universality.
 
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
@RedCrossCanada | facebook.com/CanadianRedCross | redcross.ca/blog  
Red Cross donor inquiries: WeCare@redcross.ca or 1-800-418-1111
 
 
About the Canadian Red Cross
Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies – the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to helping people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supporting them in strengthening their resilience.
 
MEDIA CONTACTS:
English: 1-877-599-9602
French: 1-888-418-9111