The following statement may be attributed to the American Red Cross:
“The last two years have brought immeasurable heartbreak and horrific devastation in Gaza, Israel and neighboring countries and communities throughout the Middle East.
We mourn the tens of thousands of lives lost. We welcome the announcement of a ceasefire, allowing for the release of long-separated hostages and detainees, and increasing humanitarian aid for those in need.
The global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement consists of three different parts – the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and individual national societies like the American Red Cross. Each plays a unique role, working independently and in support of one another to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The American Red Cross supports the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s vital humanitarian mission.
The ICRC is the lead Red Cross and Red Crescent entity in conflict zones, helping to ensure that humanitarian law is followed during armed conflict and providing humanitarian protection and assistance for victims amid violence. The ICRC initiated a multi-phase operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages and detainees as part of this ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The complex operation, which is taking place at the request of the parties, is crucial to reuniting separated families. The ICRC calls for the continued implementation of the agreement to allow more families to receive their loved ones for dignified burial.
To date, the ICRC has facilitated the release and transfer of 172 hostages and 3,473 detainees since October 2023 as part of ceasefire agreements. It is crucial that all the relevant actors abide by their commitments to uphold human dignity, and end the pain and suffering endured by so many.
The American Red Cross has disbursed $10 million to the ICRC to help remove any financial obstacles that may impact the ability to provide humanitarian relief. ICRC relief efforts include the provision of medical teams and equipment, shelter, food, clean water, hygiene supplies and cash assistance to families for their basic needs; and ensuring the dignified treatment of human remains.
We have also committed $6.3 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to support the passage of goods into Gaza, as well as urgent aid for families in the region, including healthcare services, water, shelter, sanitation, hygiene and logistics support.
Additionally, the American Red Cross has allocated $1.75 million each to Magen David Adom and the Palestine Red Crescent Society to support ongoing relief efforts, such as the procurement of blood testing and filter kits by Magen David Adom blood services division in Israel, as well as the procurement and distribution of food parcels and hygiene and sanitary kits by the Palestine Red Crescent Society. We commend the heroic service and sacrifice of national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across the Middle East.
We are hopeful this agreement will steer toward a path of permanent peace and collective healing so desperately needed to preserve and uphold our humanity.”
Additional information:
Financial donations: For those who wish to help people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, we ask that they write “Middle East Humanitarian Crisis” in the memo line of a check and mail it with a completed donation form to the address on the form or to their local Red Cross chapter. Your donation will be used by the Red Cross Movement where it’s needed most to help all those in the impacted region.
Currently, the American Red Cross and our global Red Cross partners are not accepting donations of in-kind goods such as food, clothing or blankets. These items can be difficult to manage on the ground and divert resources from our mission. Other charitable organizations may be better suited to manage such donations.
Blood services: During emergencies, the American Red Cross will ship blood products outside of the U.S. following a specific request from the U.S. State Department for U.S. citizens overseas, at the request of the United Nations, or at the request of the affected Red Cross or Red Crescent society abroad. We have not received international blood product requests at this time.
International humanitarian law: For those interested in learning more about international humanitarian law and its vital role in protecting the innocent during armed conflict, please visit www.redcross.org/ihl. The American Red Cross has a duty to fulfill the Geneva Conventions’ purpose of reducing suffering during armed conflict. As part of our duty, the American Red Cross leads the effort to ensure Americans are informed of these laws and the humanitarian principles they reflect.
For more information, visit redcross.org/publications.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.