International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC’s Post

"Do your utmost to restart negotiations, foster dialogue, and end this conflict. Humanity must prevail in a year of immense suffering." - Tommaso Della Longa, IFRC Spokesperson, in a powerful call for peace on WION (World Is One News).

One year of suffering. One year too long. The urgent need for peace and stability has never been clearer. Tragically, 27 humanitarian staff and volunteers have paid the ultimate price in their service to humanity: six from Magen David Adom in Israel and 21 from Palestine Red Crescent Society in Gaza and the West Bank. Today, we honour their memory and stand in solidarity with all victims of this conflict. Humanitarians and civilians must be respected and protected. Hostages must come home. Humanity must prevail. 🌍❤️

One year of suffering, and the need for peace and stability is more urgent than ever. As the crisis worsens each day, it's clear "there are no humanitarian solutions if there are no political solutions. Humanitarians cannot substitute the international community" Tommaso Della Longa, IFRC Spokesperson, speaking to Helena H. from BBC News Humanitarians and civilians must be respected and protected. Hostages must come home. Humanity must prevail.

The world remains on edge. Today marks one year since the horrific attacks that led to a major escalation of armed hostilities in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. The urgent need for peace and stability has never been clearer. However, political and diplomatic efforts have yet to achieve this. Humanitarian assistance cannot replace political will. Today, IFRC President Kate Forbes and IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain reiterate our calls on all parties to: - Protect civilians, humanitarians, healthcare workers, and facilities. - Ensure safe and unhindered access for aid and essential services. - Immediately and unconditionally release all hostages Humanity must prevail. Our statement: https://bit.ly/3XYCq9Q

Following the recent escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement reiterates that civilians, the wounded, healthcare workers and facilities, including ambulances, must be respected and protected. Healthcare workers must have safe and unhindered access to reach everyone in need. Any harm inflicted on medical workers, rescue volunteers, or healthcare facilities is unacceptable. These groups are protected under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and must be shielded from violence. Humanitarian workers and medical personnel save lives: we call for their protection and respect. Link to the statement: https://bit.ly/3YbElZX

In the face of rising violence in Lebanon and a surge of displaced Lebanese and Syrian returnees, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent is delivering vital emergency medical care and essential relief, overcoming immense challenges to support those in need. Listen to Mey AL Sayegh, who joined our X Spaces discussion this week.

“The situation at the Lebanese-Syrian border is dire, with displaced people crossing into Syria, all in desperate need of basic assistance such as food, water, shelter, and emergency medical services. Despite the significant risks posed by ongoing shelling, Syrian Arab Red Crescent workers are tirelessly providing help. Water, food, psychological support, and medical services are being offered to those waiting at the border. However, the main crossing point was shelled, rendering it inoperative. In response, Syrian Arab Red Crescent teams stepped in to transport people, sparing them from the hardship of walking long distances on foot. We urge everyone to contribute to the emergency appeal launched by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC to support the humanitarian response,” said Ramzi Saliba, the Emergency Operations Manager in Syria, during his interview with FRANCE 24.

In response to the widespread hospital closures in Gaza, the Palestine Red Crescent has established a fully equipped mobile operating room to deliver vital medical services. Despite the challenges, our dedicated team crafted this facility using locally sourced materials, showcasing incredible resilience. This initiative paves the way for a comprehensive field hospital, ready to tackle urgent medical needs. Stronger, together.