Red Crescent Societies Unite to Support IRCS in Urgent Gaza Crisis Response
The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has taken a decisive step in addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for immediate international assistance. This plea has garnered support from various Red Crescent societies, including those from Russia, Norway, Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar. The situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, and the IRCS is urging global institutions to act swiftly to provide much-needed aid and support.
On July 26, IRCS head Pirhossin Kolivand sent a heartfelt letter to the World Health Organization (WHO) and multiple Red Crescent societies, emphasizing the need for the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the Gaza Strip. The letter states:
“With the world witnessing one of the most catastrophic humanitarian crises in the Gaza Strip, it is the moral and humanitarian duty of international institutions to act swiftly to save the lives of defenseless civilians, particularly children, pregnant women, and the sick.”
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, as reported by reputable organizations such as the World Food Program (WFP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The ongoing blockade, destruction of medical infrastructure, and severe shortages of essential items have put millions at risk. Key points highlighted in the reports include:
- Widespread malnutrition and starvation affecting vulnerable populations.
- Critical shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.
- Blocked aid corridors severely limiting humanitarian efforts.
- Destruction of hospitals and healthcare facilities compromising medical services.
In his letter titled “Urgent Call to Action: Advocate for Immediate Governmental Intervention to Address the Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza,” Kolivand urged his counterparts to take immediate action to advocate for those affected. He emphasized:
“According to recent reports from UNICEF, WHO, UNRWA, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the situation on the ground is dire and demands immediate and coordinated humanitarian intervention. The people of Gaza are enduring unimaginable suffering: widespread malnutrition, starvation, and a severe lack of access to food and clean water have left countless children and civilians in critical condition.”
As the crisis worsens, the health of women, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding women, is at significant risk. UNICEF has reported alarming statistics, including:
- 80 children have died from malnutrition since April 2025, reflecting a tragic 54 percent increase in just three months.
- Thousands of children under five are facing life-threatening malnutrition.
Furthermore, since October 2023, the WHO has documented over 725 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza. Hospitals such as Kamal Adwan, Indonesia Hospital, Hamad Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics, and the European Gaza Hospital have been forced to suspend medical services due to their proximity to conflict zones. This has further deepened the humanitarian emergency.
The IRCS encourages all National Societies to reaffirm their commitment to humanitarian principles and take action to advocate for the affected populations. In accordance with Article 2 of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, states bear the responsibility to respect International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and protect civilians caught in armed conflict. The IRCS calls upon the global community to:
- Halt all hostilities and violence affecting civilians and humanitarian operations in Gaza.
- Facilitate the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and medical services.
- Hold perpetrators accountable and end impunity for violations of International Humanitarian Law.
The ongoing crisis in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of our shared commitment to humanity. It is imperative that we collectively advocate for peace, protection of human life, and the alleviation of suffering. Through principled humanitarian action and effective governmental engagement, we can uphold the fundamental values that define our humanitarian mission.
In closing, the IRCS reaffirmed its solidarity with all affected communities and expressed support for colleagues across the humanitarian movement during these challenging times. The call for action is clear: it is time for the international community to come together and respond to the urgent needs of those suffering in Gaza.
