New Zealand support helps people affected by conflict in the Middle East

Thanks to the generosity of New Zealand Red Cross donors, $150,000 raised through our Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal has been distributed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), helping deliver vital humanitarian assistance to people impacted by conflict in the region.

Across the Middle East, ongoing conflict continues to have a devastating impact on millions of people. Countless lives have been lost, families have been forced from their homes, hospitals and essential infrastructure remain under immense pressure, and many people continue to struggle to access clean water, food, safe shelter and healthcare.

Following a recent visit to Gaza, ICRC regional director for the Near and Middle East, Nicolas von Arx, described the scale of the humanitarian crisis and the conditions facing people displaced by the conflict.

“The first thing that you see when you come into the Gaza Strip is the scale of the destruction. The second thing you see is the suffocating density of where people are living.”

He said many people are living in overcrowded tent settlements with very few basic services, making it incredibly difficult to rebuild their lives with dignity.

Watch Nicolas von Arx share his reflections from Gaza.

How your donations are helping

Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are delivering life-saving assistance to people affected by conflict in the Middle East.

Your generosity is helping ICRC, IFRC and Red Cross Red Crescent teams to deliver life-saving assistance to people affected by conflict across the Middle East. This includes providing emergency medical care to people who are ill and injured, supplying clean water, food, shelter, hygiene kits and other essential relief items, and supporting the last functioning hospitals and health facilities. Teams on the ground are also providing psychosocial support and establishing child-friendly spaces where children can receive support.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the appeal. Your kindness is helping to bring much needed humanitarian support to communities when they need it most. 

The need continues – support our Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal

The humanitarian crisis across the Middle East is ongoing, and the need for support remains immense. New Zealand Red Cross is continuing to raise funds to support families impacted by conflict in the Middle East. If you are in a position to help, please consider donating to our Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
Donate to the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal. 

More information

• If you are in New Zealand and have lost contact with family members in affected areas, our Restoring Family Links service may be able to help you reconnect with your loved ones. 
  Find out more and submit a tracing request: www.redcross.org.nz/RFL
  
  
• Find out more about international humanitarian law and how these rules apply to armed conflicts: International humanitarian law 

Lead photo: In Gaza, people are living in overcrowded tent settlements, with very few basic services.