IRC mobilises response to humanitarian crisis in the Middle East

1 November 2023 —  The escalating conflict in the Middle East on 7 October and since has created widespread death and destruction. Many thousands of children are now reported dead, hundreds of hostages are still in captivity, dozens of aid workers have been killed, and today a refugee camp was struck. Even the most extensive humanitarian response would be stretched to the limit. The scale of this crisis needs to spur much greater humanitarian relief now.

As a humanitarian organisation IRC stands on the side of civilians in need and we are identifying practical steps necessary to support them alongside our existing programs across the Middle East. The threats to civilians from an escalation in the violence, combined with severe restrictions on the flow of basic necessities including water and power, are acute. 

IRC is drawing on its global experience and expertise in emergency response to initiate a response to the devastating humanitarian crisis. Given the massive humanitarian impacts in Gaza since October 7th, we have identified urgent needs there - including health, child protection, non-food items for women and girls, and psychological support - as the top priority.

Civilians are entitled to humanitarian assistance in conflict. We support the efforts of UN agencies and officials to negotiate for the increase in these flows of essential aid. The aid flows through the Rafah crossing are far too limited for what is needed. We are engaging with credible local partners across the occupied Palestinian territory to add our efforts to help meet those needs. Our partners are telling us there is not just great need - especially for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies - but also the clear capacity for more aid to flow and be distributed.

Our response will be based on the dedicated systems we have developed in a range of complex contexts, including robust monitoring and due diligence, to help ensure that aid reaches the civilians who desperately need it. We have evidence-backed approaches proven in other conflict contexts.

Civilians, and the infrastructure they rely on for survival, are entitled to protection in conflict. Health centers and hospitals, as well as doctors, nurses and aid workers, are specifically protected under UN Security Council resolutions and international law. The restrictions on essential supplies, the damage to health facilities and deaths of health staff has already significantly reduced health capacity in Gaza. We continue to call for their safety and respect, alongside the vital need for continuous flow of power, water, fuel, and communication. This should be a continued, urgent focus for diplomatic efforts.

We continue to monitor and assess rising needs elsewhere in the region, and echo the calls for containment, rather than expansion of the conflict.  To enable a humanitarian response that is equal to the devastating needs, the IRC reiterates the call – shared by the NGO community, the UN and many member states - for a humanitarian pause from all sides to allow for aid to reach people in need. It would allow for delivery of humanitarian supplies, and allow staff to assess needs and deliver aid.  It could also allow for the evacuation of the sick and wounded who cannot be cared for inside Gaza, and allow for negotiations for release of hostages.

We remain determined to add our efforts to those seeking to mitigate loss of life and provide needs- based aid to those most affected by the violence.