Occupied Palestinian territory

The protracted crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory

A group of people standing on a pile of rubble
(Photo credit: Palestine Red Crescent Society)

The occupied Palestinian territory, which encompasses the West Bank including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, continues to experience a complex and protracted crisis.

The region has endured decades of conflict, causing acute humanitarian needs in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Frequent escalations of violence, movement restrictions, protection issues for women and girls, and a strained healthcare system are only some of the realities faced by communities. The Gaza population is facing a hunger crisis while struggling to meet their basic shelter, livelihood and economic needs.

Threats from natural weather events such as winter storms and floods also pose a challenge, especially for those who are internally displaced and living in camps with inadequate shelter and basic necessities.

The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement continues to call for the application of and adherence to international humanitarian law within the occupied Palestinian territory. The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is responding to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.

How the Canadian Red Cross and Palestine Red Crescent Society work together

A group of people placing a person on a stretcher into a van
(Photo credit: Palestine Red Crescent Society)

The Canadian Red Cross recognizes the essential role of the Palestine Red Crescent Society as a local organization implementing lifesaving activities in the occupied Palestinian territory. Since 2014, the Palestine Red Crescent Society and the Canadian Red Cross have partnered to deliver emergency health and response services to affected populations, and to strengthen the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s ability to be prepared for and respond to emergencies.

With support from the Canadian Red Cross, the Palestine Red Crescent Society has:

  • Pre-positioned and distributed relief items such as hygiene kits and dignity kits.
  • Held an advanced training for members of the National Disaster Response Team.
  • Establishing a Palestine Red Crescent ambulance dispatch and Emergency Operations Centre.
  • Held a refresher training for Emergency Medical Teams, and developed an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) standard operating protocol.
  • Equipped EMS stations with solar systems.
  • Provided mental health and psychosocial support for communities, staff and volunteers.
  • Procured medical supplies and equipment, including mobile clinics and ambulances.
  • Provided hearing aids and assistive devices for physical rehabilitation.
  • Established Community Action Committees for locally led emergency response and first aid.
  • Scaled up emergency support during escalations of violence and conflict.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society is committed to continue providing these critical services and more to meet urgent humanitarian needs of affected people, and the Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting them in this vital work.

Donate to the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal

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. 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 to the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal