Gaza and the Middle East
After two years of conflict in Gaza, millions of people across the Middle East are enduring unimaginable hardship. Families are struggling to access food, clean water, medicine, and safe shelter. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and much of the region’s critical infrastructure has been destroyed.
Since the escalation in October 2023, thousands of lives have been lost — including Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers — and many more people have been injured, displaced, or separated from loved ones.
The humanitarian consequences are devastating and long-lasting. Entire communities face the loss of homes and livelihoods, while health and water systems are on the brink of collapse.
How our Movement is responding
Across Gaza and the wider region, Red Cross and Red Crescent teams, including ICRC and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) – are working under extreme conditions to:
- Deliver emergency medical care to the injured.
- Provide clean water, food, and shelter for displaced families.
- Support the last functioning hospitals and health facilities.
- Protect the safety and wellbeing of aid workers and civilians.
Our Movement’s neutral, impartial, and independent approach means we can reach people where others cannot – bringing lifesaving assistance and hope to those most affected.
How we’re helping
We’ve launched the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal to support our Movement partners responding to the crisis in Gaza and across the region.
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.
While we’re not currently sending personnel or supplies directly into Gaza, we’re contributing financially to the coordinated global Red Cross Red Crescent response. This ensures help reaches people through those already operating in the region.
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 compassion ensures our Movement can keep bringing relief, protection, and hope to families affected by conflict in Gaza and the wider Middle East.
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