The Humanitarian Crisis

Despite various efforts to de‑escalate and facilitate humanitarian access, needs remain severe and violence has continued in parts of the region. The extreme winter weather is compounding humanitarian needs caused by the conflict. Access to appropriate shelter, clean drinking water, and a functioning healthcare system is critical. Hundreds of thousands of people remain displaced and are living with the loss of family members, physical injuries, and the destruction of homes and essential services. Children, women and those with a disability are disproportionately suffering.

Humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip is both limited and unstable. Lack of access means vital humanitarian aid cannot be delivered to where it is acutely needed.

In the West Bank, the security and economic situation continue to worsen and humanitarian needs are rising; violence and restrictions on movement and essential services have crippled the economy. Increased violence across the Middle East, particularly in southern Lebanon and northern Israel, has led to internal displacement and migration, worsening the regional humanitarian situation.

Since October 2023, the Movement has lost 26 dedicated humanitarian workers in this conflict. Twenty staff members and volunteers of the PRCS and six from MDA have been killed. Attacks on humanitarian personnel are prohibited under international humanitarian law. Humanitarian workers, health workers and their facilities must be protected at all times. We pay homage to their service and sacrifice, including through our In memoriam page.

International humanitarian law also protects all persons deprived of their liberty. The ICRC seeks access to all relevant places of detention to monitor treatment and conditions in accordance with its mandate. Acting as a neutral intermediary, ICRC has facilitated the release of hostages from the Gaza strip and the release of Palestinian detainees from Israeli places of detention, and transferred them home under ICRC's auspices.

In a context of heightened scrutiny of humanitarian organisations, the RCRC Movement use needs‑based, principle‑driven approach and focus on our mandate to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict.