Update on Response to Humanitarian Crisis in the Middle East

The Canadian Red Cross remains deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Middle East following a year of escalating conflict. The ongoing hostilities are generating unimaginable pain and suffering. Civilians including women and children, older adults, and the wounded and sick continue to experience the greatest impacts.  

The Canadian Red Cross has a long history of working with National Society partners in the Middle East region and, along with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, remains committed to supporting the humanitarian work of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and Magen David Adom (MDA, Israel’s National Society). Sadly, since October 2023, more than 25 Red Cross Red Crescent Movement staff and volunteers have been killed in Gaza, West Bank and Israel while conducting humanitarian work.

Key statistics as of September 30, 2024

The MDA:

• has 3,000 staff and 30,000 volunteers responding across the country;
• responded to more than one million emergency calls, providing life-saving care and medical assistance;
• provided CPR and first aid training for 500,000 people; and,
• equipped 450 community Emergency Response Teams to respond in remote areas.

The PRCS:

• has 1,600 volunteers and staff responding in Gaza;
• distributed more than 1.6 million emergency aid items including food parcels, hygiene kits, blankets, mattresses, tents and water jerry cans;
• provided emergency medical support to more than 100,000 people; and,
• supported more than 100,000 people with psychosocial support.

Field Hospital:

• In May, the Canadian Red Cross, with the support of the Government of Canada and in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Norwegian Red Cross, and several other National Societies, opened a field hospital in Rafah.
• The field hospital consists of approximately 60 beds and includes emergency surgical care; obstetric/gynecological, maternal, and newborn care; pediatric care; and outpatient, inpatient and emergency departments.
• The Canadian Red Cross is supporting with surgical equipment, medicines, diagnostic equipment, disinfection materials, and personnel.
• For the past five months, the field hospital has provided health care services to people including:
  o    29,950 Consultations 
  o    168 Babies delivered 
  o    1,444 Surgeries

The Canadian Red Cross reiterates its call for the de-escalation of the conflict, the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers from harm at all costs, and the dignified delivery of humanitarian services. The protection of civilian lives during the prolonged hostilities is paramount and the Red Cross calls for the immediate safe return of all detainees. 

The Red Cross is grateful for the generosity of Canadians to help people impacted by this crisis. To date, $8.4 million has been raised for the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal. 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.
 

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 and media@redcross.ca 
French Media: 1-888-418-9111 and communication@croixrouge.ca