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 30,000 people have lost their lives with another 70,000 injured.

Over 75% of the total population in Gaza have been forced to leave their homes and are in desperate need of food, water and medical care. Critical public infrastructure has collapsed and residential neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble. The amount of humanitarian aid currently able to pass into Gaza is not enough to address the immense needs. With food being barely available and prices skyrocketing, one quarter of the population are one step away from famine.

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, as well as deployment of war surgery team.

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. Your contribution will allow us to reach more conflict-affected people with critical assistance in the midst of suffering.