Middle East Humanitarian Crisis
Photo credit: Olav A. Saltbones / Norwegian Red Cross
- Red Cross Red Crescent Response in the Middle East
- Canadian Red Cross Response in the Middle East
- How You Can Help: Support Humanitarian Needs in the Middle East
- Your Donation in Action
Red Cross Red Crescent Response in the Middle East
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.
The Egyptian Red Crescent Society continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating and coordinating the entry of all humanitarian aid from Egypt into Gaza, when borders are open. Teams are supporting medical evacuations from Gaza and providing technical support to one of the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s field hospitals, in partnership with Kuwaiti Red Crescent.
The Jordan National Red Crescent Society is also sending aid into Gaza when borders are open. Teams are supporting medical evacuations and providing support and shelter to patients arriving in-country before they travel onwards for specialized treatment.
The Lebanese Red Cross has mobilized personnel to:
- 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.
- Repair or install critical infrastructure such as showers and drinking water at shelters for people who are displaced.
Magen David Adom (Israel’s National Society) has activated its national operations centre to:
- Provide emergency medical services to people impacted by the conflict.
- Support health authorities with interhospital transfers.
- Operate a free, online “emergency situations training” for the general public, including first aid focusing on trauma care.
- Support displaced communities.
- Train community emergency response teams to respond quickly in more remote areas that usual resources cannot reach.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society is the leading provider of emergency medical services in the occupied Palestinian territory. Palestine Red Crescent Society staff and volunteers in Gaza are:
- Prioritizing healthcare, running ambulance services, mobile health clinics, and striving to provide basic treatment and triage. They are also providing medical surgical and emergency healthcare.
- Operating camps for people who are displaced across Gaza, including in the north of Gaza. This includes a camp providing specialized support for people with disabilities, and another for people with cancer.
- Providing psychosocial support through special mental health teams.
- Receiving and distributing humanitarian aid including food, water, and hygiene kits.
Palestine Red Crescent Society teams continue to provide vital support in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and to displaced Palestinians in surrounding countries.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) continues to support National Societies as they respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) teams are providing vital support to people impacted in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory (Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem). This work includes supporting healthcare and hospitals, livelihood projects, and repairs to essential services. Visit the ICRC website for more information on their response to the ongoing conflict, and their support to the hostages.
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. In times of conflict, it is critical that civilians and humanitarian workers are protected. It is essential that people can 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.
Canadian Red Cross Response in the Middle East
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, Palestine Red Crescent Society, and the 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.
Canadian Red Cross Supporting Field Hospital in Rafah, Gaza
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 more than 200 patients daily. Services include emergency surgical care; obstetric/gynecological, maternal, and newborn care; pediatric care; and outpatient/inpatient and emergency departments.
How You Can Help: Support Humanitarian Needs in the Middle East
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.Donate Now
Your Donation in Action
Latest Reports:
Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal Update, as of September 30, 2024
Middle East Humanitarian Crisis 1-year Donor Update
