American Red Cross Statement on the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis

The following statement may be attributed to the American Red Cross:

"The last year has brought immeasurable heartbreak and horrific devastation in Gaza and Israel. As hostilities continue to escalate, the ongoing humanitarian crisis has sent shockwaves throughout the Middle East, affecting neighboring countries and communities.

We mourn the tens of thousands of lives lost. We urge all organizations and combatants with the capacity, influence and remit to take immediate action to protect and deliver relief for the innocent civilians, aid workers and emergency responders amid unimaginable suffering. The fact that innocent civilians continue to be held hostage is unacceptable and their safe release must remain a top priority.

The global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement consists of three different parts - the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and individual national societies like the American Red Cross. Each plays a unique role, working independently and in support of one another to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

The American Red Cross supports the work of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in the reunification of loved ones, as well as the critical delivery of humanitarian aid and restoration of essential medical services.

The International Committee of the Red Cross is the lead Red Cross and Red Crescent entity in conflict zones, helping to ensure that humanitarian law is followed during armed conflict and providing humanitarian protection and assistance for victims amid violence. The American Red Cross has disbursed $10 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross to help remove any financial obstacles that may impact the ability to provide humanitarian relief. ICRC relief efforts include multiple war surgical teams and the provision of medical equipment; providing shelter, food, clean water, hygiene supplies, and cash assistance to families for their basic needs; and ensuring the dignified treatment of human remains.

We have also committed $5 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to support the passage of goods from Egypt into Gaza, as well as the urgent needs of evacuees arriving in Egypt, including healthcare services, water, shelter, sanitation, hygiene, and logistics support.

Additionally, the American Red Cross has allocated $1.75 million each to Magen David Adom and the Palestine Red Crescent Society to support ongoing relief efforts, such as the procurement of blood testing and filter kits by Magen David Adom blood services division in Israel, as well as the procurement and distribution of food parcels and hygiene and sanitary kits by the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

We commend the heroic efforts of national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across the Middle East, which remain on the front lines of this devastating conflict as their facilities, vehicles and supplies have been destroyed or challenged working amid gunfire, rocket attacks and bombings. Since the escalation of the conflict one year ago, paramedics and ambulance drivers have been killed across the region while wearing internationally protected emblems. Tragically, six members of Israel's Magen David Adom have been killed and 21 members of the Palestine Red Crescent Society have been killed.

As the violence continues, Red Cross and Red Crescent teams from around the world remain united in supporting those affected by this crisis, working to preserve our shared humanity during this time."

Additional information:

Financial donations: For those who wish to help people affected by the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict in Gaza and Israel that escalated in October 2023, we ask that they write "Middle East Humanitarian Crisis" in the memo line of a check and mail it with a completed donation form to the address on the form or to their local Red Cross chapter. Your donation will be used by the Red Cross Movement where it's needed most to help all those in the impacted region.

Currently, the American Red Cross and our global Red Cross partners are not accepting donations of in-kind goods such as food, clothing or blankets. These items can be difficult to manage on the ground and divert resources from our mission. Other charitable organizations may be better suited to manage such donations.

Blood services: During emergencies, the American Red Cross will ship blood products outside of the U.S. following a specific request from the U.S. State Department for U.S. citizens overseas, at the request of the United Nations, or at the request of the affected Red Cross or Red Crescent society abroad. We have not received international blood product requests at this time.

International humanitarian law: For those interested in learning more about international humanitarian law and its vital role in protecting the innocent during armed conflict, please visit www.redcross.org/ihl. The American Red Cross has a duty to fulfill the Geneva Conventions' purpose of reducing suffering during armed conflict. As part of our duty, the American Red Cross leads the effort to ensure Americans are informed of these laws and the humanitarian principles they reflect.

For more information, visit redcross.org/publications.

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