Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal
Millions of people across the Middle East are enduring extreme hardship. Families are struggling to access basic necessities such as food, clean water, medicine, and safe shelter. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and critical infrastructure has been destroyed after years of escalating conflict in the region.
Thousands of lives have been lost since October 2023 — including Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers — and many more people have been injured, lost their homes, or become separated from loved ones.
The humanitarian impact of conflict is severe and will tragically have long-lasting consequences across the wider Middle East. Entire communities face the loss of homes and livelihoods, while health and water systems are on the brink of collapse.
Our Movement’s neutral, impartial, and independent approach to humanitarian action means we can reach people even where others cannot – bringing lifesaving assistance and hope to those most affected.
How our Movement is responding
Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are working under extreme conditions to:
- Provide essential healthcare services, including emergency medical care and first aid to the ill and injured.
- Ensure access to sanitation and hygiene services.
- Supply clean water, food, and shelter to displaced families.
- Support the last functioning hospitals and health facilities.
- Deliver food assistance and clean drinking water to affected communities.
- Protect the safety and wellbeing of aid workers and civilians.
In southern Gaza, the Red Cross Field hospital is operating at more than double its intended capacity, treating thousands of injured civilians.
In Iran, the Iranian Red Crescent Society is on the ground across the affected provinces, reaching people in desperate need of support. Specialist teams are providing vital humanitarian assistance, including emergency health, search and rescue, and debris clearance.
How we’re helping
We’ve launched the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal to support our Movement partners responding to the humanitarian crisis across the Middle East region.
Donations will be directed primarily to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), who are delivering life-saving assistance and support on the ground. Funds could also enable New Zealand Red Cross to deploy International Delegates to work with Red Cross teams that are responding to the crisis. As the situation and humanitarian needs evolve, our support helps ensure that people affected by this crisis can receive the help they need most.
Funds raised through the appeal help deliver:
- Emergency medical care and essential hospital supplies.
- Clean water, food, and safe shelter.
- Support for health workers and volunteers on the ground.
- Access to sanitation and hygiene services.
Our advocacy – humanity must come first
We continue to advocate for the protection of civilians, health workers, and humanitarian personnel. We echo the call of the ICRC – humanity must come first.
Our Movement urges all parties to:
- Protect civilians and healthcare facilities.
- Allow safe, unhindered access across the entire Gaza Strip.
- Open all available corridors for a continuous and expanded flow of humanitarian aid.
- During armed conflict, the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems are protective devices. People, vehicles, or buildings displaying them must never be attacked.
How you can help
You can help ensure lifesaving humanitarian assistance continues to reach those who need it most.
Donate to the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal
Your support can help dedicated Red Cross and Red Crescent teams across the Middle East to keep delivering urgent care and essential medical supplies.
Restoring Family Links
Our Restoring Family Links service is available for people who have lost contact with loved ones in Gaza, Israel, and other areas affected by conflict in the Middle East.
More information
- Find out more about the Fundamental Principles that guide our work.
Our Fundamental Principles - Find out more about international humanitarian law and how these rules apply to armed conflicts.
International humanitarian law - Find out more about the international Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
Our Movement - Find out more about the Red Cross emblems and what they mean.
Our emblems