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The escalation of hostilities in Israel and Gaza Strip since October 2023 has brought a humanitarian catastrophe.

Recently, the humanitarian emergency in Gaza has escalated rapidly. The latest report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed for the first time that famine is currently occurring in Gaza, affecting over half a million people. 1 in 3 people in Gaza have not eaten for days, and the situation is likely to deteriorate further.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, over 300 people have died from malnutrition. The situation is so desperate that people are scavenging for food from the garbage, or even risking their lives to secure food for their families.

Fatema’s son had his leg amputated as he got ran over by a truck while trying to get some food among the crowd. Struggling to feed her family of 18, Fatema has been skipping meals and yet still finds herself unable to afford the surging food prices or to improve the nutrition for her family.

“For three months, I have eaten nothing but one or two pieces of bread. When I get hungry, I drink water. We are tired of repeating the word “We’re exhausted.” For God’s sake, stop the bleeding in Gaza.”

Hospitals in Gaza are witnessing a surge in severe malnutrition cases. However, the health facilities, too, lack nutrition and food supplies and can only handle the most severe cases. Meals of smaller portion are now being served for patients due to shortages. Hospital staff themselves are also exhausted as the available food is not enough to provide the energy needed.

“Do you know what it means to get used to hunger? That food becomes a dream. You learn to save a loaf of bread to last the whole day. That you apologise to your children because all you can offer them is: Be patient.” shared by a Red Cross staff member.

Amidst the humanitarian crisis, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) continue to be on the frontline of humanitarian response, supporting 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 Gaza for the past 50 years.

The Hong Kong Red Cross has allocated HKD 2.9 million to support the humanitarian efforts in Gaza. As of September 2025, HKRC has deployed 9 person-times medical volunteers to Gaza to assist field hospital operations. Your donation will allow us to help fund the life-saving emergency response of the Red Cross Movement who have been on the ground since the conflict escalated and continue to save lives.