A Delegation from the British Government Visits the Palestine Red Crescent Society to Review Its Humanitarian Efforts in the West Bank and Gaza Strip

Ramallah – 21 May 2025
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) yesterday welcomed a delegation from the British government at its headquarters in Al-Bireh. The visit aimed to assess PRCS’s humanitarian response in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
The delegation was led by the UK Minister for Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, accompanied by her aide and the British Consul General in Jerusalem, Ms. Helen Winterton.
PRCS Director General Mr. Khaled Abu Ghosh, Executive Director Ms. Randa Bani Odeh, and British Red Cross Country Director – Palestine, Ms. Jennifer Higgins, received the delegation and presented an overview of PRCS’s programs, humanitarian operations, and the challenges faced on the ground.
Mr. Abu Ghosh emphasized the urgent need to ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. He noted that although a small number of aid trucks were allowed entry three days ago, the blockade continues, and the volume of aid remains far below what is needed. He also raised concerns about the newly proposed aid distribution mechanism and ongoing violations against medical teams.
Ms. Bani Odeh shed light on the growing humanitarian challenges in the West Bank, particularly the movement restrictions and risks encountered by emergency medical personnel.
The visit included a tour of PRCS facilities, including the central operations room, the 101 Dispatch Center, and the main warehouse. An advanced medical post was set up in front of the main entrance, along with an all-terrain ambulance, to demonstrate PRCS’s emergency preparedness and its capacity to reach isolated or hard-to-access areas during crises. These vehicles are vital for providing medical assistance in remote communities and in areas affected by movement restrictions or natural obstacles.
During the visit, Minister Chapman announced additional UK humanitarian aid for Gaza, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to supporting life-saving assistance.
Minister Jenny Chapman stated:
"Vulnerable Gazans must urgently be given full access to aid. I have heard first-hand from aid workers today about the abominable impact of the blockade on real families. The UK has pledged new support for Gazans, but the brutal reality is that most of it remains stuck in limbo."
The visit underscored the importance of continued international cooperation to address urgent humanitarian needs in both the West Bank and Gaza.