PRCS calls on the international community to stop Gaza war immediately

On this day marking two years since the start of the devastating war in the Gaza Strip that resulted so far in the death of more than 65,000 people and the injury of more than 150,000, mostly innocent civilians. the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) expresses its sorrow and disappointment at the international community’s failure to put an end to this humanitarian catastrophe that innocent Palestinian civilians have been subjected to.  

Two years on, the suffering of the Palestinians in Gaza has reached shocking levels: the stench of death is in every corner and the rubble from destroyed homes, schools, roads and other civilian infrastructure dominates the landscape. Humanitarian aid entry is severely restricted, and families struggle to find shelter, food and clean water.

In this unprecedented 'man-made’ disaster, medical and humanitarian personnel, including PRCS staff and volunteers, tirelessly continue to deliver life-saving assistance under the most hazardous conditions where International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is disregarded and unheeded on a daily basis.

While facing severe shortages of fuel, medicines and essential supplies that have hindered the basic and vital humanitarian and medical services, PRCS teams have strived to reach afflicted people in need in Gaza. Yet PRCS teams has been directly targeted, without care or regard for their humanitarian missions or their protected red crescent emblem. As a result, we have lost 29 of our colleagues in the line of duty in some of the most horrific circumstances, including the assassination of two PRCS ambulance staff during their attempt to save the 5-year old girl Hind Rajab and her family in January 2024 and the killing (and burial) of eight PRCS staff (and their ambulances) in March 2025. Furthermore, PRCS hospitals, medical centers and other facilities have been forced to close following substantial damage by bombs and forced evacuation orders issued by Israeli forces.

Dr Younis Khatib, President of PRCS, stated: “PRCS teams have undertaken their roles and duties with great courage and dedication despite minimal resources and the danger to themselves and to their families who were displaced multiple times ... Our staff and volunteers, along with other humanitarian and medical personnel, should not have to risk their life or freedom every time they attempt to save people in need”.

Dr. Khatib added: “PRCS calls on relevant state actors, the United Nations and all international humanitarian organizations to choose the side of humanity and end this atrocious war. States must fulfill their obligations under IHL and commit to enabling the flow of enough aid to meet the immense humanitarian need.  The Palestinians in Gaza deserve justice, and perpetrators of the horrors in Gaza must be held to account”.

Despite the immense challenges it has faced, the PRCS has remained active and resilient, thanks to the support of its partners and the trust of the general public. PRCS remains committed to in the fulfillment of its mandate in line with IHL. 

It is time for the world to stop the slaughter in Gaza, end the aimless destruction, close this dark chapter in history, and, instead, ensure that humanity, dignity and justice prevail in Palestine.