17 July 2024

Red Cross deeply concerned 10 weeks since critical aid crossing in Gaza shut down

British Red Cross CEO, Béatrice Butsana-Sita expresses grave concern, 70 days since the Rafah border, a critical lifeline for humanitarian aid into Gaza, was closed.

The Rafah border crossing was one of the largest and most important aid crossings and though some aid has continued to enter Gaza, UNRWA has reported the monthly number of trucks entering Gaza has reduced by 63 per cent since 7 October 2023.

The closure is exacerbating an already dire situation in Gaza. The reduction in aid has resulted in only a trickle of aid reaching the area, leaving the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) teams in Gaza delivering lifesaving aid with much reduced resources.

Béatrice Butsana-Sita, CEO of the British Red Cross, said:

“For people in Gaza every day is a fight for survival. Famine is looming, clean water is scarce, and the healthcare system has all but collapsed. Around 90 per cent of the population of Gaza have fled their homes, with some people displaced up to 10 times. “Before the conflict around 500 trucks were arriving in Gaza every day. We now face a situation where every single person in Gaza needs humanitarian assistance, but the number of trucks allowed to enter is a drop in the ocean of needs. We cannot be any clearer, aid alone will not solve this crisis, but it will save lives.

“We also remain extremely concerned about the lives and welfare of the hostages who have now been held in Gaza for nine months. They must be released immediately.

“Despite the immense challenges, Red Cross and Red Crescent teams have reached three quarters of the population in Gaza and continue to work tirelessly to deliver life-saving aid. The immediate needs are critical but the longer-term needs are also unimaginable. Families are traumatised, homes have been destroyed and there is little to no healthcare system. Our Gaza Crisis appeal will provide lifesaving aid today, and a concerted humanitarian response and recovery in the many years ahead.”

Since 7 October, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has been responding across the wider region and the British Red Cross has been working closely with the Palestine Red Crescent Society, Magen David Adom in Israel, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other National Societies to support all communities affected by this conflict.

In Gaza, the risk of famine persists. However, increased access and aid in April helped reduce the very worst levels of hunger in northern Gaza, showing the difference greater access can make.

PRCS is the lead emergency medical responder in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, it has:

  • reached over 1.8 million people in Gaza with essential aid;
  • supported over 345,000 people with health services; provided psychosocial support to over 94,000 people;
  • reached 22,000 people with emergency medical services.

The ICRC has also been working alongside PRCS in Gaza. Together, they opened a new field hospital in May. This has so far provided 11,300 consultations, carried out 450 surgical procedures and delivered 71 babies.

ENDS

Notes to editors About the British Red Cross For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders. www.redcross.org.uk

Please see a link to our Gaza Crisis Appeal here.

Please see images here