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Middle East Humanitarian Crisis

Surgeon doing morning rounds at the ICRC Field Hospital Rafha in the Al Mawasi area in southern Gaza
Photo: Olav A. Saltbones / Norwegian Red Cross
 

Conflict in the Middle East region has impacted millions of people, generating unimaginable humanitarian needs and worsening an already large-scale humanitarian crisis in the region.

The Canadian Red Cross continues to join calls for a cessation of hostilities and an increased amount of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. Even with the current ceasefire agreement, the situation remains highly tenuous, and the humanitarian needs are immense.

As major military operations continue to escalate in the Middle East, the safety and dignity of civilians in Iran, Israel, Lebanon and the Gulf region are now at risk. Civilian infrastructure is being impacted, including houses, schools, hospitals and airports.

The work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is guided by the seven Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. In times of conflict, it is critical that civilians and humanitarian workers are protected. It is essential that people can access the healthcare and treatment they need, and that humanitarian workers have rapid, safe, and unimpeded access to carry out their crucial life-saving activities.
 

How the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is supporting people impacted in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza


Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah, Gaza

In collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other National Red Cross Societies, the Canadian Red Cross continues to support the only fully functioning field hospital in Rafah, Gaza. The field hospital is helping to address the overwhelming demand for healthcare due to the near collapse of Gaza’s health care system.

With funding from the public and the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is supporting the field hospital with surgical equipment, medicines, diagnostic equipment, disinfection materials, and personnel.

The Red Cross Field Hospital consists of 60 beds and continues to scale up its capacity to meet the increased demand. Services include emergency surgical care; obstetric/gynecological, maternal, and newborn care; pediatric care; and outpatient/inpatient and emergency departments. They are also providing mental health and psychosocial support to patients, their families and field hospital staff.

Patients have been able to receive care in large part due to the tireless work of Palestine Red Crescent Society medics and first responders. Since the first day the Red Cross Field Hospital began seeing patients, Palestine Red Crescent Society personnel have been travelling into dangerous areas to transport people to safety and to receive medical treatment.


Palestine Red Crescent Society

The Palestine Red Crescent Society is the leading provider of emergency medical services in the occupied Palestinian territory. Their teams continue to work around the clock to respond to the immense humanitarian needs. Palestine Red Crescent Society staff and volunteers in Gaza are:

  • Providing medical, surgical and emergency healthcare, running ambulance services, hospitals, and mobile health clinics where possible, striving to provide basic treatment and triage. Many health-care centres are functioning with limited capacity due to shortages of supplies, repeated evacuation orders and other challenges. 
  • Delivering vaccines through temporary sites near shelters to reach families who have been repeatedly displaced.
  • Operating camps for people who are displaced, including a specialized camp for people with disabilities.
  • Supporting medical evacuations, in coordination with the World Health Organization, when the Rafah crossing is open.
  • Providing psychosocial support through special mental health teams.
  • Receiving and distributing humanitarian aid including food, water, and hygiene kits.
  • Working with communities to raise awareness about the dangers of unexploded ordnance.

Palestine Red Crescent Society teams continue to provide vital support in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and to displaced Palestinians in surrounding countries. Visit the occupied Palestinian territory page for more information on Palestine Red Crescent Society’s work.


Other National Societies supporting

The Egyptian Red Crescent has transported desperately needed humanitarian aid, including food and medicines, into Gaza. They have played a pivotal role facilitating and coordinating the entry of all humanitarian aid from Egypt to Gaza. When border crossings are fully open, teams are also carrying out medical evacuations from Gaza.

The Jordan National Red Crescent Society is also sending aid into Gaza when borders are open. Teams are supporting medical evacuations and providing support and shelter to patients arriving in-country before they travel onwards for specialized treatment.
 

Red Cross Red Crescent response in the Middle East region


Iranian Red Crescent Society

In Iran, following the escalation of hostilities in February 2026, the Iranian Red Crescent Society has mobilized its network of volunteers and staff. Rapid response teams, logistics units, search and rescue personnel, medical services, and pharmacies are on high alert across the country, delivering essential humanitarian services and support to people affected, conducting search and rescue operations, tending to the wounded and clearing the debris.

Lebanese Red Cross

In Lebanon, Lebanese Red Cross continues to deliver emergency medical services, evacuate casualties and injured people from affected areas. They have also deployed Mobile Medical Units to deliver essential healthcare services and are distributing assistance to people who have been displaced in shelters. Read more about their important work.

Magen David Adom

Magen David Adom (Israel’s National Society) is the lead emergency health care provider in Israel. In the aftermath of the horrific October 7 attacks, they activated their national operations centre and provided vital, around-the-clock support to individuals and communities impacted. Their support has included:

  • Providing emergency medical services to people impacted by the conflict.
  • Supporting health authorities with interhospital transfers.
  • Supporting displaced communities.
  • Training community emergency response teams to respond quickly in more remote areas that usual resources cannot reach.

Since the escalation of hostilities in February 2026, MDA has mobilized all ambulances and intensive care units that are fully staffed. First responders have been providing lifesaving care to people in precarious locations that have been damaged during the attacks. Teams are treating and evacuating affected people to hospitals and conducting transfer operations to safeguard patients in non-sheltered facilities.
 
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) continues to support National Societies as they respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

ICRC teams are providing vital support to people impacted in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory (Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem). This work includes ensuring the dignified handling of the dead, supporting healthcare and hospitals, livelihood projects, and repairs to essential services. Visit the ICRC website for more information on their response to the ongoing conflict, and their support to the hostages.


Canadian Red Cross response in the Middle East region

The Canadian Red Cross has a long history of working with Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners in the Middle East region.

In addition to supporting the Red Cross Field Hospital in Gaza, the Canadian Red Cross has mobilized funds, personnel, and equipment to support the ongoing humanitarian crisis across the region. Funds have gone to support the Egyptian Red Crescent Society through IFRC, Lebanese Red Cross, Magen David Adom, Palestine Red Crescent Society, Qatar Red Crescent Society, and the ICRC.

Through the Canadian Red Cross, the Government of Canada has generously contributed funds and emergency supplies, including blankets and hygiene kits, to support the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement response to the ongoing violence.
 

How You Can Help: Support Humanitarian Needs in the Middle East

Those wishing to support Red Cross Red Crescent response efforts in the Middle East region impacted by the ongoing conflict are encouraged to donate to the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal online or by calling 1-800-418-1111.

The Canadian Red Cross is supporting the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement efforts to alleviate suffering and provide humanitarian assistance for people affected by the ongoing and escalating October 2023 crisis in the Middle East. 

This includes the work of Magen David Adom (MDA – Israel’s National Society) and the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Support will be used for lifesaving interventions, ongoing relief efforts, and other critical humanitarian activities as needs arise. All humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross Red Crescent are guided by our seven fundamental principles including humanity, neutrality, and impartiality.

 

Donate Now

Donors wishing to direct their support to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Gaza, can donate to the Palestine Humanitarian Needs Appeal. More information is available on the occupied Palestinian territory page.

Those wishing to help with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon are encouraged to make a financial donation to the Lebanon Humanitarian Needs Appeal. More information is available on the Lebanon page.

Your Donation in Action

Latest Reports: 
Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Donor Update, as of June 2025
Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal Update, as of September 30, 2024
Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal Update, as of September 30, 2025
Middle East Humanitarian Crisis 2-year Donor Update
Middle East Humanitarian Crisis 1-year Donor Update

Medical professional using stethoscope to check a baby.