IRCS Calls on WHO and Red Crescent Societies to Act Quickly to Resolve Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) is making a heartfelt appeal for international support to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In a recent communication, Pirhossin Kolivand, the head of IRCS, has reached out to the World Health Organization (WHO) and other red crescent societies, urging them to take immediate actions to alleviate the suffering of civilians in this war-torn region.
In his letter addressed to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Kolivand highlighted the dire circumstances faced by millions in Gaza, stating that it is a moral obligation for international organizations to act swiftly. He emphasized the urgent need for the delivery of essential medicines and humanitarian aid, as well as the protection of those most vulnerable, including children, pregnant women, and the sick.
According to Kolivand, the situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly due to multiple factors:
- Blockade: The ongoing blockade has severely limited access to necessary supplies.
- Destruction of Medical Infrastructure: Hospitals and clinics have been damaged or destroyed, hampering medical efforts.
- Acute Shortages: There are critical shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, which are essential for survival.
- Blocked Aid Corridors: Humanitarian aid is being obstructed, leaving millions in dire need.
In light of these challenges, the IRCS has made a series of urgent recommendations to the WHO:
- Open Humanitarian Corridors: Support the immediate establishment of safe corridors for delivering medical supplies and health personnel.
- Coordinate Aid Delivery: Work with international bodies to ensure the secure passage of humanitarian aid.
- Strengthen Medical Support: Provide logistical and medical assistance to the few operational health facilities left in Gaza.
Kolivand stressed that the WHO’s active and impartial involvement could save numerous lives and restore hope among suffering families.
In a separate letter addressed to other red crescent societies, Kolivand issued an “Urgent Call to Action,” emphasizing the critical humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. He noted that recent reports from UNICEF, WHO, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) highlight the urgency for coordinated humanitarian intervention.
“The people of Gaza are enduring unimaginable suffering,” Kolivand stated. “The widespread malnutrition and severe lack of access to clean water and food have left countless children and civilians in critical condition.”
The destruction of healthcare infrastructure has made it increasingly difficult to deliver essential services. According to reports, over 50,000 children have been killed or injured due to the ongoing conflict, with thousands suffering from severe malnutrition.
Since October 2023, there have been over 725 attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in the suspension of services at several hospitals, including:
- Kamal Adwan Hospital
- Indonesia Hospital
- Hamad Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics
- European Gaza Hospital
These closures exacerbate the already critical humanitarian crisis in the region.
Particular concern has been raised regarding the health of women, especially pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. UNICEF reports a tragic increase in malnutrition-related deaths among children. Since April 2025 alone, 80 children have died from malnutrition, representing a 54% increase in less than three months.
Kolivand urged national red crescent societies to reaffirm their commitment to humanitarian principles and take immediate action:
- Advocate for Peace: Call for an immediate halt to hostilities affecting civilians in Gaza.
- Facilitate Aid Delivery: Ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance.
- Hold Perpetrators Accountable: Demand accountability for violations of International Humanitarian Law.
This ongoing crisis serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to advocate for humanitarian values. Kolivand called for a united effort to protect human life and alleviate suffering in Gaza.
In a letter to the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Kolivand also underscored the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by starvation. He cited reports indicating that a significant portion of Gaza’s population is facing famine, leading to tragic losses among women and children.
Kolivand highlighted alarming reports of military forces targeting civilians, stressing that such actions constitute a clear violation of humanitarian law and could be deemed war crimes under international statutes.
He called upon the ICRC to leverage its influence to expand humanitarian diplomacy and facilitate the delivery of essential aid to Gaza, reinforcing the need for urgent and coordinated international action.
The IRCS remains steadfast in its commitment to support affected communities and collaborates with global partners to bring relief to those in need during these challenging times.
