Prince William "deeply concerned" about Gaza conflict, as he visits British Red Cross London headquarters

21 February 2024

Prince William is “deeply concerned” about the ongoing conflict in Gaza he said ahead of a visit to the British Red Cross headquarters in Central London.

The 41-year-old heir to the throne made the statement ahead of meeting staff members and learning how the organisation has been providing humanitarian aid to those affected since violence escalated on 7 October 2023.

In a statement published by Kensington Palace on Tuesday, Prince William said: “I remain deeply concerned about the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October. Too many have been killed.

“I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible. There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza. It’s critical that aid gets in and hostages are released,” he continued.

“Sometimes it is only when faced with the sheer scale of human suffering that the importance of permanent peace is brought home. Even in the darkest hour, we must not succumb to the counsel of despair. I continue to cling to the hope that a brighter future can be found, and I refuse to give up on that."

During the visit the Prince was briefed on the current humanitarian situation on the ground in Gaza as well as what the Red Cross Red Crescent movement has been doing to deliver vital humanitarian aid, psychosocial support, and uphold international humanitarian law.

He also took part in a video conference with our colleagues in Gaza working for the Palestine Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

British Red Cross chief executive, Béatrice Butsana-Sita, thanked Prince William for his support: ““The Royal Family have showed enduring support for our work both here in the UK and around the world. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to speak to His Royal Highness about the humanitarian crisis in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the response of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.”

A catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza

The Prince’s visit comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen. The death toll in Gaza is at least 28,000 with over 68,000 injured and an estimated 1.7 million people displaced. 
 
Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies have been on the ground in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories since violence escalated on 7 October 2023 and have been working day and night, risking, and losing, their lives to deliver assistance. 

In Gaza, the Palestine Red Crescent Society is mandated to receive and distribute aid where it is needed most. While in Israel, the Magen David Adom is Israel's sole National Blood and Medical Emergency Service. 

Learn more about the Israel-Gaza conflict and how the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is helping to support those affected. 

• Israel-Gaza conflict: hundreds of thousands displaced in Israel as Gaza is pushed to the brink
• What's happening in Gaza? Catastrophic food insecurity threatens lives
• Broken healthcare and disease in Gaza could kill more than conflict
• Explainer: what is the Red Cross doing to help hostages in Gaza?