Statement responding to news of an agreement between Israel and Gaza

The Canadian Red Cross is encouraged by news of an agreement between the parties fighting in Israel and Gaza which includes a ceasefire. Along with our Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners, the Canadian Red Cross is hopeful that in the coming days, the agreement results in the return home of hostages and detainees, and in the delivery of sustained humanitarian aid allowed to reach those in desperate need.

Since the escalation of the conflict in October 2023, conditions have significantly deteriorated for individuals and families who face increasingly dire living situations. For more than a year, escalating hostilities have resulted in enormous civilian casualties, families separated, as well as the destruction of homes, health care facilities and other critical civilian infrastructure.  

In Gaza, 90 per cent of the population is displaced, the health-care system has been severely impacted with only a small fraction functioning, and food and water are scarce. With a lack of clean water and sanitation, the spread of infectious diseases has continued to rise. Humanitarian needs are immense and must be addressed immediately.  

In Israel, thousands of people have been displaced and are unable to return to their homes. People have continued to deal with the horrific events the country experienced on October 7th and have continued to suffer from persistent violence. Many people lost loved ones, many others are missing and the pain of not knowing is generating lasting trauma.  

While the Canadian Red Cross is encouraged by the agreement which includes a ceasefire, and sees this as a step in the right direction, there are substantial barriers to the safe and secure delivery of humanitarian assistance. Parties must allow for the rebuilding of critical infrastructure to allow for the provision of aid including restoring critical infrastructure.    

The Canadian Red Cross, alongside its Movement partners, continues to stress the need in the coming days for:  

• the protection of civilians and aid workers;
• safe and dignified treatment of all those who are deprived of their liberty;
• ensuring safe and effective delivery of lifesaving and critical humanitarian aid which includes allowing for multiple supply lines, the reopening of crossing points, reducing administrative barriers to the movement of aid, and protection for those receiving aid;
• compliance with all applicable International Humanitarian Law; and
• political interventions to ensure sustained, safe and dignified delivery and distribution of aid at the level required to address immediate and emerging needs.

As the largest humanitarian aid organization in the world, the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement will continue to address critical needs that have emerged due to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Those wishing to contribute to the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal can do so online at redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111. For more information from the International Committee of Red Cross, please visit icrc.org. 
 

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 191 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 Media: 1-877-599-9602 media@redcross.ca 
French Media: 1-888-418-9111 communication@croixrouge.ca