Middle East Humanitarian Crisis
Photo credit: Olav A. Saltbones / Norwegian Red Cross
Latest Reports:
Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal Update, as of September 30, 2024
Middle East Humanitarian Crisis 1-year Donor Update
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East region is impacting millions of people and generating unimaginable humanitarian needs, further exacerbating an already complex and protracted large-scale humanitarian crisis in the region.
Red Cross Red Crescent response
Staff and volunteers of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in the Middle East are working around the clock – often in dangerous conditions – to provide vital assistance to those impacted by the hostilities. Lebanese Red Cross has mobilized personnel to:
- Assist in search and rescue operations and evacuate patients from hospitals.
- Provide emergency medical services, including on-site treatment, transporting people to hospital and transferring patients between hospitals.
- Through primary healthcare centres and mobile medical units, provide medications and physician consultations to people in need, particularly those who are displaced and have lost access to healthcare.
- Distribute relief items including blankets, mattresses, food, hygiene kits, and water and sanitation services.
- Provide emergency medical services to people impacted by the conflict.
- Support health authorities with interhospital transfers and evacuate people with limited mobility from border communities.
- Provide free, online training for the general public, including first aid focusing on trauma care.
- Establish and train community emergency response teams to strengthen resilience to respond to future emergencies at the local level.
- Provide medical, surgical, and emergency health care, including psychosocial support.
- Receive and distribute humanitarian aid including food, hygiene kits, and items for the upcoming winter in Gaza.
- Establish camps for people who are displaced, including a specialized camp for people with disabilities.
- PRCS also continues to provide vital support in the West Bank and to displaced Palestinians in surrounding countries.
- Set up Humanitarian Service Points at key border crossings to provide critical support to tens of thousands of people from Lebanon who are seeking safety and Syrian citizens returning home.
- Support includes psychosocial support, emergency medical care, water, food, and access to bathroom facilities.
The work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is guided by the seven Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
Canadian Red Cross response
The Canadian Red Cross has a long history of working with Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners in the Middle East region.In response to the current humanitarian crisis, the Canadian Red Cross has mobilized funds, personnel and equipment. Funds have gone to support the Egyptian Red Crescent Society through IFRC, Lebanese Red Cross, Magen David Adom (MDA), Palestine Red Crescent Society and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),
Through the Canadian Red Cross, the Government of Canada has generously contributed funds and emergency supplies, including blankets and hygiene kits, to support the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement response to the ongoing violence.
In collaboration with the ICRC and other National Red Cross Societies, the Canadian Red Cross is supporting a field hospital in Rafah, Gaza. The field hospital is helping to address the overwhelming and ongoing health needs due to the near collapse of Gaza’s health care system.
With funding from the public and the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is supporting the field hospital with surgical equipment, medicines, diagnostic equipment, disinfection materials, and personnel.
Health care teams at this 60-bed hospital can provide medical care for up to 200 patients daily. Services include emergency surgical care; obstetric/gynecological, maternal, and newborn care; pediatric care; and outpatient/inpatient and emergency departments.
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) response
The ICRC is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. ICRC teams are providing vital support to people impacted in Gaza, including health care and distributing essential household items.The ICRC has been calling for the release of hostages since the escalation of hostilities. It has publicly and repeatedly stated that access must be granted to the Red Cross and Red Crescent to conduct visits with the hostages to check on their well-being, bring medical aid and pass messages between families. To date, the ICRC has not received access to the hostages, which must be granted and agreed to by the parties involved in the conflict.
In times of conflict, it is critical that civilians and humanitarian workers are protected. It is essential that people are able to access the health care and treatment they need, and that humanitarian workers have rapid, safe and unimpeded access to carry out their crucial life-saving activities. For additional information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions posted on the ICRC’s website.
How to support those impacted
Those wishing to help are encouraged to donate to the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal online or by calling 1-800-418-1111.The Canadian Red Cross is supporting the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement efforts to alleviate suffering and provide humanitarian assistance for people affected by the ongoing and escalating October 2023 crisis in the Middle East. This includes the work of Magen David Adom (MDA – Israel’s National Society) and the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Support will be used for lifesaving interventions, ongoing relief efforts, and other critical humanitarian activities as needs arise. All humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross Red Crescent are guided by our seven fundamental principles including humanity, neutrality, and impartiality.