American Red Cross Statement on Ceasefire Announcement in the Middle East

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

"Throughout Gaza, Israel and Lebanon, families and individuals have faced immeasurable heartbreak and horrific devastation, with the ongoing humanitarian crisis leaving profound impacts in communities across the Middle East.

We mourn the tens of thousands of lives lost. We welcome the announcement of a ceasefire, which allows the release of long-separated hostages and detainees, and increases humanitarian aid for those in need of support and respite amid unrelenting suffering. And we reiterate our call to 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 in the region. The safe release of innocent civilians 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 International Committee of the Red Cross is the lead Red Cross and Red Crescent entity in conflict zones and stands ready to facilitate the release of hostages and detainees as agreed upon by the parties. With warehouses of supplies in Dubai, Jordan and Egypt, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is prepared to massively scale up its humanitarian response as soon as the Rafah border is reopened to allow a significant increase in aid to enter Gaza and teams have safe access to deliver supplies and care in alignment with the rules of war. 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.

We are hopeful this agreement will steer toward a path of permanent peace and collective healing so desperately needed to preserve and uphold our humanity."