Service Projects

“We’ve seen what’s happening in Gaza and what’s still happening in Israel. At the end of the day who pays the price? Civilians.” Fabrizio Carboni, ICRC regional director for the Near and Middle East

The escalation of hostilities in Israel and Gaza since October 2023 has brought about humanitarian catastrophe with towns, hospitals and even shelters under attack. According to the United Nations, quoting local authorities, over 40,000 people have lost their lives with another 90,000 injured.

With protracted conflicts and vast areas of Gaza being put under evacuation order, 90% of the total population have been displaced. Collapse of critical public infrastructure including water and sanitation systems and health facilities poses long-term risks of disease outbreaks. There has been substantial rise in cases of respiratory infections, diarrhoea and hepatitis A, along with reports of a baby being contracted with polio. People in Gaza are in desperate need of food, water and medical care, yet humanitarian access remains severely hindered. 96% of the population is projected to face crisis or worse levels of food security, and half of all essential medicine is not available in Gaza.

Moreover, more than a hundred Israelis and foreigners are still held hostage. Families who have lost contact with their loved ones are anxiously waiting and wishing for their return.

Since the conflict began, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Magen David Adom in Israel (MDA) and the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) have been on the frontline of humanitarian response through participation in rescue operations, provision of food, water, hygiene items and cash assistance. ICRC, together with 12 National Societies (or their branch) including Hong Kong Red Cross, opened a field hospital in Rafah of southern Gaza in May 2024 to address the overwhelming medical needs.

Bound by the core principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence, the ICRC has been working to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable people in Israel, Gaza and West Bank for the past 50 years. The ICRC has facilitated the release and transfer of Israeli and foreign hostages and Palestinian detainees, and continues to call for access to the hostages.

The Hong Kong Red Cross has allocated HKD 1.6 million to support the humanitarian efforts in Israel and Gaza. As of September 2024, HKRC has deployed 5 person-times medical volunteers to Gaza to assist field hospital operations. Your contribution will allow us to reach more conflict-affected people with critical assistance in the midst of suffering.