Time stood still: A humanitarian’s story from ‘Black Wednesday’ in Lebanon

Lives on Hold: Inside Lebanon’s growing displacement crisis

Within this exodus are people like Layla, Adnan, and Nancy. Their stories bridge the gap between tragedy and hope, highlighting the critical humanitarian lifeline provided by the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC), in partnership with the IFRC.Layla’s storyLayla cannot remember the exact date she urgently fled Burj al-Barajneh, a municipality located on the south side of the capital Beirut.“At the beginning of the hostilities, the first strike hit near our home. I grabbed my children and leftin panic.”The streets were chaotic, crowded with people on foot more than in cars.“That first night, we slept on the beach in Ramlet al-Baida. It was very cold. We were exhausted.”After moving from place to place, Layla and her five children eventually found shelter at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut, where they now live.Managed by the Lebanese Red Cross, the Sports city is Lebanon’s largest collective shelter, hosting more than 1,200 displaced people. The Lebanese Red Cross also provides essential aid nationwide—blankets, mattresses, ready-to-eat meals, bread, and safe drinking water—ensuring support reaches those most in need.“We are six. The situation is difficult, but we thank God. I still don’t know if our home is damaged,” she says.Her youngest, four years old, screams whenever she hears drones or airplanes; she also suffers from heart problems.While her older daughter panics during shelling, and her sons remain silent — “but you can see the fear in their eyes”, Leila adds.Despite everything, Layla expresses gratitude: “The Lebanese Red Cross is doing everything they can. Even their kindness and smiles make a difference.”Her requests are simple—hot water for the children, clothes and shoes, and some fresh food beyond canned items. This is her second displacement in less than two years, and she is still waiting—for safety, and the chance to return home.Adnan’s story“My name is Adnan, and I’m fourteen years old. We fled from Shiyah at the start of March.”He now lives with his family of five in the Sports city shelter.“Being in a shelter is better than nothing, and better than living on the streets,” he says.Adnan misses his school and friends; he studies remotely via lessons sent over WhatsApp. When asked what he wishes for, he answers simply: “I hope the escalation ends. God willing.”Nancy’s Story: ‘The Red Cross is my safe place’“My name is Nancy, and I’m twenty years old. I study psychology at the Lebanese University.”Nancy was displaced from Tyre, a coastal city in southern Lebanon.She now works at the Sports city shelter, supporting displaced families on the ground, while her parents are staying at a separate Lebanese Red Cross-managed shelter at Antelias High School.“I help people with their needs because they are living in the same conditions as I am,” she says. “Being on the ground keeps me stable. Without this work, my mental state would be completely shattered.”Having experienced previous displacements, Nancy emphasizes the importance of psychological support, adding: “Being displaced is never easy. It’s very hard to leave your life, your home, your family, friends, and your university—and not know whether they’ll be safe today or tomorrow”.“The Lebanese Red Cross is my safe space. When I put on this uniform, I feel at home and able to help others.”The broader responseThe Lebanese Red Cross is Lebanon’s main provider of ambulance services, operating 125 ambulances, 12 Mobile Medical Units, and 29 health centers (with some temporarily closed due to the security situation).Sixteen Emergency Operations Rooms coordinate with authorities to support shelter operations, monitor displacement, and plan the humanitarian response. To support hospitals, the LRC maintains an emergency blood supply.IFRC support is critical in sustaining these services. With a CHF 2 million allocation through the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund and an extended Emergency Appeal, the IFRC helps ensure ambulance services, health care, blood supply, and relief assistance reach displaced families across Lebanon.The most urgent needs remain shelter, food, emergency medical access, and psychological support, as families arrive with few belongings and no clear timeline for returning home.Through the courage and resilience of people like Layla, Adnan, and Nancy, and the dedication of the Lebanese Red Cross with IFRC support, vital humanitarian aid continues to reach those most in need in Lebanon’s largest shelters.Story by Mey Al SayeghHead of communications for IFRC's Middle East and North Africa region

The IFRC warns of the impact of the conflict in the Middle East: Moving humanitarian goods is becoming more expensive and slower

Geneva,23March 2026– The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warns that one of the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East is its impact on the humanitarian supply chain.While the IFRC global supply chain hub in Dubairemainsoperational, disruptions to global transport have led to significant price increases and forced the organization to use longer overland routes.The direct impact is that moving goods is becoming more expensive and is taking more time. At a time when humanitarian budgets are shrinking, this will directly affect the most vulnerable communities around the world.Costs are changing daily, but the following examples illustrate current trends:Sea freight:approximately +70%, with spikes of up to 300% on specific routesCause:Schedule disruptions, rerouting, and congestion. Reduced UAE sailings are also forcing road repositioning to ports such as Jeddah (approximately $5,000 per container).Land transport (international/cross-border):+20% to +30%Cause:A general increase in cross-border trucking costs across GCC corridors, driven primarily by border delays, driver shortages, and tightening capacity, with fuel price volatility as a contributing factor.Air freight:approximately +50% to 70% (depending on the route)Cause:Modal shift from sea to air, limited capacity, and volatile fuel surcharges.IFRCsupply chain expertsare availablefor interviews.For more information or to set up an interview, please contact:[email protected] Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa,+41 79 708 4367

A place to transform lives: Inside the Egyptian Red Crescent’s Zeinhom Community Centre

'We did not know how to respond to something like this': What the Lebanese Red Cross learned from the 2020 Beirut explosion

Gaza: Humanitarian Crisis

Local, everywhere: Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers keep humanity strong

From mountain rescues in Iran to flood response in Yemen, from school health clubs in Lebanon to refugee camps in Jordan, volunteers respond to crises and moments of need within the very communities they call home.They are neighbours, students, parents, and friends; people who choose to act when it matters most.On International Volunteer Day, we celebrate their stories under the theme "Local, everywhere"; stories of courage, kindness, and hope that remind us that humanity knows no borders.Iran: A language of humanityHigh in the mountains of Iran, rescuer Marzieh Saki found herself in a situation where people’s lives were at risk.During a harsh winter, her team was warning hikers of avalanche risks when she saw a group of young men who didn’t respond to her calls.“I warned them, but they didn’t respond. Then, I noticed that they were using sign language,” says Marzieh. “That’s when I realized they were deaf and probably couldn’t hear my warnings.”She rushed toward them, using gestures and expressions to show them the danger.They understood and turned back, just hours before avalanches struck the same area.“That night, I couldn’t stop thinking. If I hadn’t made them understand, they might not have survived. Since then, I’ve been learning sign language and started the Deaf Volunteers Group to train rescuers on how to reach and help deaf people during emergencies.”Her quick thinking saved lives and sparked a movement for inclusion within the Iranian Red Crescent.Jordan: From a journey of displacement to a leadership role in a new communityTwin brothers Mahmoud and Ezz Al-Din Al-Hassan fled war-torn Daraa, Syria, to Jordan in 2012 with a dream to make a difference despite the challenges of displacement due to the conflict in their country.In 2017, they began volunteering with the Jordan Red Crescent, helping organize relief distributions, health campaigns, and Ramadan Iftars, and supporting children through the Orphan Sponsorship Program.Through these experiences, the brothers found belonging and purpose.They later launched their own initiative, “Plant a Smile,” to bring hope and creativity to children who faced hardship.“When you find someone who believes in you and supports you, you can start from zero and create an unforgettable impact,” they say.From refugees to community leaders, their journey shows how volunteer engagement can transform pain into purpose.Lebanon: A full circle of humanitarian inspirationIn the city of Zahlé, Lebanon, a young boy once spent his afternoons in the local park, taking part in playful weekend activities organized by the Lebanese Red Cross Youth Zahle Center.Years later, that boy - Jad Abdel Ahad - returned to the same park, not as a participant, but as a volunteer. The activities he used to participate in shaped his life far more deeply than he ever imagined. Over time, Jad’s dedication carried him from volunteer to Head of the Youth Center, where he began leading the same activities that once inspired him.As he grew in his role, Jad worked not only to animate the park with youth-led engagement but also to secure funding and ensure its continuity as a safe, vibrant community space.“Those moments shaped who I am today; they taught me about teamwork, empathy, and community spirit. When I was old enough, joining the Red Cross felt like a natural step. As Head of Youth Center now, it feels incredible to organize activities for children in the same park where I once played. I’ve seen firsthand how much these moments can inspire young people, just as they inspired me.”What began as childhood memories evolved into a sustained commitment to service, a story of coming full circle.Libya: Restoring dignity at seaIn Zuwara, Libya, one of the most memorable moments for volunteers unfolded during a late-night rescue operation for refugees who had just survived a dangerous sea crossing. Many arrived exhausted, dehydrated, and terrified after their ordeal.Among them was a young mother, who clutched her baby tightly, too frightened at first to let anyone approach him. Volunteers recall how Hidayah Ahmed Saki stepped forward with calm reassurance, offering water and gentle words until the mother slowly allowed her child to be examined.As soon as she saw her baby receive care, she began to relax and even helped comfort other women nearby.Colleagues say moments like these reflect Hidayah’s strength: her ability to meet people in distress with empathy, patience, and a quiet presence that reassures even in the most chaotic situations.Hidayah herself describes the heart of her work this way:“That moment reminded me that humanitarian work is not only about providing medical aid, but also about restoring trust and dignity. Even small gestures, like offering water or listening, can make a life-changing difference.” Her story is a reminder that in emergencies, compassion is as essential as any medical skill, and that dignity can be restored through the simplest acts of humanity.Palestine: Inclusion that transforms disabilityIn the West Bank, Mohammad Daoud once felt isolated and without direction. A wheelchair user who had faced both physical and emotional challenges, he retreated into silence after witnessing traumatic scenes during a raid on his town.When Palestine Red Crescent volunteers learned about his situation, they began visiting him regularly, offering psychological support and gentle encouragement until he slowly found his voice again. As he continued to improve, Mohammad asked to join their volunteer team.Nearly three years later, he has become a first responder, an active participant in youth activities, and a young man who continues to learn, read, write, and grow with determination.Mohammad describes how the Red Crescent transformed his life:“The Red Crescent opened doors I never imagined I could enter. My disability was never a barrier to learning and growing. Thanks to the opportunities they gave me, I became a first responder and take part in every activity. If I was able to do it, others can too.”He now uses his experience to inspire others, reminding volunteers and community members alike that determination can break any barrier and that every act of service builds a stronger, more inclusive world.Saudi Arabia: Finding joy amid painFor Zainab Mustafa Al-Abdullah of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, volunteering began with a visit to bring joy to children with cancer in Al-Ahsa.“It was one of the most beautiful initiatives I’ve taken part in,” she says. “The joy and hope on the children’s faces made me realize that life is still full of goodness.”While handing out small gifts, she met a young girl named Taraf whose words changed her outlook.“She looked at me, smiled, and said, ‘I love you. I'm grateful I’m still alive so that I can receive gifts and play with you every day.’“Those words from a nine-year-old taught me that life is beautiful despite its hardships,” says Zainab. “They made me appreciate health, gratitude, and the importance of staying hopeful.”Her story shows how acts of kindness can heal both giver and receiver.Yemen: Strength in the heartIn Hadramout, Abdullah Abubakr Habshi Assagaf joined the Yemen Red Crescent during a flood emergency. Among the people he assisted was an elderly man who struggled to walk yet worked tirelessly to support his family.“That scene made me realize the true meaning of volunteering — it is not merely a task we perform, but a feeling of responsibility and a desire to bring happiness to others,” says Abdullah.“Every time I take part in humanitarian work, I learn that true strength does not come from the body, but from the heart that never gets tired of giving.”His words echo the spirit of countless volunteers who keep giving, no matter the hardship.One humanity. Local, everywhere.Across the Middle East and North Africa, these stories reveal what "Local, everywhere" truly means.Volunteers are not waiting for change to arrive; they are the change.They remind us that humanity begins at home and radiates outward.Volunteers are the heartbeat of humanity, local in action and global in spirit.Find out more about our "Local, everywhere" campaignMore stories from the Middle East and North Africa:Healing far from home: The Egyptian Red Crescent’s lifeline for Gaza’s evacueesFighting fire with humanity: Syrian Arab Red Crescent responds as wildfires ravage villages

IFRC Statement on Humanitarian Aid to Gaza: 'We must seize this crucial moment for Gaza’s people'

Geneva, 17 October 2025–With a ceasefire offering a brief respite from violence, attention must now turn to what happens next.The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is calling for a massive scaling up of aid and international support for Gaza. That includes the opening of all access points,so that lifesaving humanitarian aid can reach people at the scale needed to alleviate the catastrophic conditions they have endured for two years.While more aid has begun entering Gaza since the ceasefire, it remains far below what is needed. Safe and unimpeded access is vital to ensure assistance reaches all communities, including in the north. Likewise, theIFRC’s Middle East Emergency Appeal – helping National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across the region to support people affected at this crucial time – is woefully underfunded. Now is the time to support it.The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) continues to serve as a lifeline for the people of Gaza, providing ambulance operations, medical evacuations, essential healthcare, mental health, psychosocial support and emergency relief.But the ability of the PRCS to sustain these life-saving activities is severely constrained after months of limited aid entering Gaza and two years of relentless hostilities. Their work needs to be urgently supported by the international community.Through our Middle East Emergency Appeal, the IFRC is playing a critical role in supporting relief efforts for Gaza from both Egypt and Jordan.In Egypt, the IFRC is supporting the Egyptian Red Crescent Society, which is the main logistical provider of aid from Egypt into Gaza. IFRC is providing critical support with logistics and supply chains and medical evacuations to help keep this vital lifeline flowing. It needs to be further scaled up.In Jordan, IFRC is also supporting the Jordan Red Crescent Society (JRCS), which has a full warehouse of goods ready to be shipped as soon as possible. The JRCS is also hosting medical evacuees from Gaza and is preparing for more medical arrivals.The IFRC stands ready to do more – but, again, our regionalappeal for the crisis remains severely underfunded. We urge donors and partners to increase their support now to ensure aid reaches those who need it most – when they need it most.After two long years, we must seize this crucial moment for Gaza’s people.For more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Beirut Mey Al Sayegh, +961 761 744 68In GenevaTommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 43 67Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575

Jordan Red Crescent Hospital brings hope, safety and new life to Gaza’s children

On the first floor of the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital in Amman, the shy smiles of Gaza’s children—who were evacuated for medical reasons last September from the Gaza Strip—intersect with pain beyond their years.Their timid smiles conceal memories of a brutal conflict ongoing for two years, leaving them with invisible and unforgettable wounds. Loss, hunger, bombing, and repeated displacement have made childhood a deferred dream, and even the simplest right to education a rare luxury.The pain is not just a story from the past; it is a daily reality for these children, who suffer from spinal injuries, loss of sight, physical disabilities, and chronic illnesses that weigh down their small bodies that have barely begun to grow."We received several children from Gaza suffering from severe spinal cord and spine injuries,” saysDr. Qasim Sallam, a general practitioner at the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital. “We conducted the necessary examinations under specialist supervision and also provided social care to their companions.""Once the children feel they are in a safe place, their psychological condition begins to improve. We notice a big difference between the moment they arrive and today."Asmaa Abu Ghosh, the psychosocial support officer at the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital.Stories of injury, recovery and resilienceYahya, a 9-year-old boy, is one of 13 children received by the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital for treatment after their medical evacuation from Gaza. His mother, Norhan, recounts that his injury occurred during the second truce on February 27, 2025, while he was playing in front of their house. He was hit by shrapnel, affecting his spinal cord."Yahya began his treatment at the European Hospital, then received two months of physical therapy in Khan Younis at the Palestine Red Crescent Hospital," she says.Although doctors reassure the possibility that he may be able to walk again using an assistive device, Yahya still suffers from pain in his diaphragm, which nearly caused him to choke, along with problems in his intestines and stomach.Hassan is another child injured on June 8, 2025, while playing in front of his house in an area categorized to be safe. He lost his sight due to bombing shrapnel. He underwent two abdominal surgeries, during which a part of his intestines was removed. The shrapnel also injured his toes."Hassan was studying in first grade when the conflict broke out, and at the start of second grade, schools stopped,” says his grandmother, who accompanies him today at the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital.“We moved from Sheikh Radwan in Gaza to Rafah, then to Al-Mawasi in Khan Younis. We thought we would return in two days, but it turned into a year and a half of displacement in tents under indescribable conditions."The grandmother recalls the hardships: "We returned home during the first truce, but it had been bombed, and some belongings were stolen, while others were left in the street. During the second escalation, we stayed despite the fear and hunger. A few days before leaving Gaza for Jordan, we prepared to relocate again to the south; we rented a piece of land, where we set up a tent."About daily life in Gaza, she says: "Hunger is deadly. A kilo of flour reached 180 shekels ($US 55), so how can a family of seven live without income? Surgeons were amputating limbs without anaesthesia due to a lack of resources."She expresses sorrow that Hassan's father couldn’t accompany him to Jordan. He is still in Gaza, hoping his parents will be allowed to join her, as Hassan needs advanced treatment available at a hospital in Britain.Compounded suffering and the struggle for survivalThe stories of complex medical needs and family separation continue. Khadija also arrived in Jordan with two of her children, one of whom suffers from lung, heart, and kidney problems that began during the conflict that erupted in 2008, while four of her other children remain in Gaza.“I don’t want my daughter to lose her future,” she says. “I want her to continue her education in better conditions.” She also calls for the opportunity to bring her other son to Jordan for treatment that is unavailable in Gaza.A safe place for psychological recoveryThe role of the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital is not limited to providing medical treatment for sick children from Gaza and their companions, but also extends to psychosocial support, attempting to mend what the conflict has broken inside them.Asmaa Abu Ghosh, the psychosocial support officer at the hospital, says: "Once the children feel they are in a safe place, their psychological condition begins to improve. We notice a big difference between the moment they arrive and today."But the care here goes beyond therapeutic and psychosocial support aspects to gently touch hearts with rare humanity. The medical, nursing staff, and volunteers work to bring back the features of childhood stolen by the conflict. They do this by creating moments of joy, celebrating children’s birthdays, organizing entertainment sessions and other activities such as hair styling that fill empty days and give them space for laughter and play.In late September, Jordan Red Crescent staff celebrated the birthdays of two girls, Tala and Alma. Alma had a very particular birthday wish:"I want to become a doctor… to treat people just like the doctors at the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital."Mothers' plight and the journey to safetyMothers also face compounded suffering from malnutrition, pregnancy complications, harsh displacement, and constant anxiety for their children. This is especially the case with families split between Gaza and Jordan, where some children were evacuated for treatment under King Abdullah’s initiative to treat around 2,000 children."I am pregnant and need a C-section,” says one mother. “I left my two young children with their father and their disabled grandfather in Deir al-Balah. We rely on the kindness of people there."She continues tearfully: "They destroyed our house, and we moved from Al-Baraka to Deir al-Balah. No food, no vitamins, only lentils and beans. I have not tasted eggs or fruit for months. I leave bread for my children while anemia and malnutrition wear me down."Despite depression and psychological pressures, she affirms that the medical staff at the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital did not neglect her and provided care "like family."Another woman from Khan Younis recounts her struggle with her daughters’ illnesses, one suffering from neurological seizures since childhood, with a condition stable before deteriorating due to theconflict, and the other unable to balance and falling while walking or sitting.Families recount the hardship of accessing medical care amid transport cuts and high costs. One woman describes her daughter collapsing before evacuation, receiving urgent help from the Palestine Red Crescent.Another mother, in Jordan with four children, seeks advanced treatment for her son’s liver disease and she is urging authorities to let her 15-year-old son still in Gaza join them."We spent a year and nine months in a tent, living on aid amid daily suffering," she says. "A hot lentil dish fell on Amir’s back while he tried to get food from humanitarian aid centers that do not meet humanitarian standards, and he got burned. The children competed to fill water and food amid chaos and violence under continuous bombing. Some days, we did not even have a loaf of bread."Her son, Odai, adds: "I am happy in Jordan, but I miss my brother Amir. I witnessed scenes of tension and fear at the distribution centers, where overcrowding and scarcity created extremely unsafe conditions." He hopes to have laser eye surgery to improve his vision, as he has worn glasses since being injured in the 2008 conflict.Despite the painful experiences they endured, the children and their mothers do not lose feelings of gratitude for leaving Gaza and starting a treatment journey that gives them a glimmer of hope. While some families dream of reunion after losing everything, others still demand saving those remaining under the bombing and hunger.About this arduous mission, Zeina Al-Masri, head of the Protection Family Links unit at the Jordan Red Crescent, says: "What always strikes me is the joy in the children’s eyes the moment they enter Jordanian territory. The electricity lights amaze them; they have not seen them for a long time, and their bodies are exhausted from hunger. When we distribute food and light drinks to them, I feel as if something from heaven has descended upon them."A call for continued supportThe life-saving and life-changing work of the Jordan Red Crescent is supported in part by an international Emergency Appeal by the IFRC for the ongoing Middle East crisis. Among many other things, it aims to support patients medically evacuated from Gaza to Jordan, along with their companions, as part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ efforts to save lives and preserve the dignity of the sick and wounded, in cooperation with the Jordan Red Crescent.These efforts go beyond receiving patients; the Jordan Red Crescent continues to provide essential medical check-ups for Gazans and Palestinians of various nationalities within the framework of a family reunification program, coordinated with 18 accredited embassies in Jordan. The Jordan Red Crescent also sends humanitarian assistance—food and medicines—into Gaza whenever the crossings are opened.Dr. Sallam concludes by stressing the “need for greater financial support to enable us to provide the necessary health and psychosocial support for these children and their companions,” amid expectations of receiving new groups soon.Story by Mey Al Sayegh, IFRC Head of Communications for the Middle East and North Africa Region

Lost and found at sea: Saving lives, coping with loss, aboard the Ocean Viking rescue vessel

It’s one of the most demanding and unusual humanitarian missions happening in the world today, and it’s being carried out at sea, by the crew of the Ocean Viking rescue vessel. Chartered by SOS MEDITERRANEE in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the ship patrols the Mediterranean Sea to rescue people in deep distress at sea. Crew members spend months at sea, living in small births, constantly on the lookout for boats in distress — small dinghies, full of people, lost among the waves.It’s a dangerous assignment. Rescues often happen at night, during times of heavy winds and choppy seas. And it’s not only the forces of nature that make this mission perilous – only a week ago, after this podcast was recorded, the Ocean Viking was hit by multiple gunshots.So why do they do it? How did the people lost at sea find themselves in these perilous situations? And how does the Ocean Viking crew find them on the vast seascape of the Mediterranean? In this episode we take you on board the Ocean Viking with Sara Mancinelli, the IFRC operations manager aboard the Ocean Viking and Camille Coletta, IFRC’s protection coordinator aboard the ship. Please, join us for an immersive audio journey aboard the Ocean Viking, then please subscribe to this channel to hear more compelling audio storytelling as Season 5 of Red Vest podcast gets under way.

IFRC statement about the incident on the Ocean Viking

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is deeply concerned by the incident that occurred on Sunday afternoon (24 August 2025), when the humanitarian rescue vessel Ocean Viking was struck by multiple gunshots.Thankfully, no individuals were physically harmed. However, this serious event has jeopardized the safety and well-being of both our humanitarian personnel and the rescued individuals on board.The IFRC is actively working to support all those affected and to look into the circumstances surrounding this violent act.Today, humanitarian workers operate in increasingly perilous environments, often putting their own lives at risk to save others. Their mission must be respected and protected at all times. Humanitarian operations must always be respectedandprotected.

IFRC condemns attack on Palestine Red Crescent headquarters in Khan Younis and killing of staff member

Beirut, Geneva, 3 August 2025: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) condemns the attack on the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) headquarters in Khan Younis, which resulted in the killing of PRCS staff member Omar Isleem, and injuries to two additional staff members and one civilian who was trying to help extinguish the fire that broke out at the site.The facility, clearly marked with the Red Crescent emblem, protected under universally agreed rules of international humanitarian law, was reportedly struck multiple times, with the second and ground floors hit while PRCS teams were evacuating the premises and working to contain a fire.A total of 51 PRCS staff and volunteers have lost their lives during this conflict. Of these, 31 — including 29 in Gaza and two in the West Bank — were killed while on duty, wearing the Red Crescent emblem that should have guaranteed their protection under international humanitarian law.We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Omar Isleem, his colleagues, and the entire PRCS team.IFRC President Kate Forbes said: "I am outraged and devastated by the horrific news from Gaza. I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Omar Isleem. My thoughts are also with those who have been injured and with all the staff and volunteers of PRCS.”IFRC Secretary General, Jagan Chapagain, said: "I am horrified and appalled by news of this attack. I cannot stress enough that humanitarian workers and facilities must be protected. It's a moral and legal imperative."For almost two years, the PRCS has been providing ambulance services and critical healthcare under relentless and extremely dangerous conditions in Gaza, caring for the many wounded amidst continuous hostilities. With the healthcare system on the brink of collapse and medical resources nearly depleted, PRCS teams remain a lifeline for civilians in desperate need of life-saving support. Any attack on their facilities or personnel is an attack on humanitarian assistance itself.This incident is a stark reminder of the dire and unacceptable conditions facing humanitarian workers and civilians in Gaza.We stand in full solidarity with the Palestine Red Crescent Society.We reiterate our calls:Civilians must be protected.Humanitarians must be protected.The Red Crescent emblem must be respected and protected.There are no excuses.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Beirut:Mey Al Sayegh: +961 761 744 68 Joanna Daou: +961 71 802 779In Geneva:Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575

IFRC mourns the killing of another Palestine Red Crescent colleague in Gaza

Geneva, 27 June 2025 - With a heavy heart, we mourn the killing of another Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) colleague in Gaza. Haitham Bassam Abu Issa was a nurse at the PRCS clinic in Deir al-Balah. He was killed while off duty in the city in the central Gaza Strip, on 26 June 2025. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones.This brings the total number of PRCS staff and volunteers killed during the conflict to 50 – a deeply shocking figure. 30 colleagues were killed while on PRCS duty wearing what should have been protective emblems. Those colleagues killed off duty should have been protected like all civilians should be.This is a stark reminder of the desperate situation in Gaza.We stand in sorrow and solidarity with the Palestine Red Crescent Society.We reiterate our calls:• Civilians must be protected.• Humanitarians must be protected.There are no excuses.For more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Beirut:Mey Al Sayegh: +961 761 744 68 Caroline Haga: +961 81 552 319In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67 

World Refugee Day 2025: Bringing hope to people forced to flee world’s largest displacement crisis

For more than two years, the Egyptian Red Crescent has stood as a vital lifeline for tens of thousands of people forced to flee the devastating conflict in Sudan.Since the crisis began in April 2023, Red Crescent volunteers and staff have mobilized quickly —responding within just two days by setting up humanitarian service points at the Qustul and Arqeen border crossings in southern Egypt.These points have offered emergency first aid, medical screenings, psychosocial support, food, water, and hygiene supplies for thousands of Sudanese families arriving in Egypt with little more than the clothes on their backs.“We acted immediately,” said Dr. Amal Emam, executive director of the Egyptian Red Crescent. “Within 48 hours, we had humanitarian service points up and running at the main border crossings—offering not just relief but also dignity and hope.”The efforts have not wavered over the past 2 years,as fighting and displacement in Sudan forced more than12.3 million people from their homes. Most were displaced within Sudan, butnearly one third – 4 million people –have become refugees in neighbouring countries such as Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan.To help meet the dire needs of desperate people seeking safety within Egypt, the Egyptian Red Crescent has:Provided medical care to over 139,000 peopleDelivered cash assistance to 5,000 familiesOffered psychosocial support to over 10,000 individuals, including childrenFacilitated 12,940 local and international phone and internet connections to help people restore contact with their loved onesDistributed more than 210,000 hygiene kits, 1.3 million bottles of water, and 1 million ready-to-eat mealsTo strengthen its efforts, the Red Crescent activated its Aswan branch and trained response teams across border regions—ensuring services were available not only at crossing points but also in Aswan city, Abu Simbel, and key transit hubs like the Aswan railway station.Special attention has also been paid to people with disabilities, older adults, and children—ensuring inclusive access to aid and the creation of child-friendly spaces for psychological support.International solidarity, swift and ongoing actionBeyond Egypt’s borders, the Egyptian Red Crescent extended solidarity to those still inside Sudan. In collaboration with the Egyptian government, it dispatched three ships carrying over 1,000 tonnes of life-saving relief supplies to Sudanese communities still struggling within the country.These efforts would not be possible without the hundreds of Egyptian Red Crescent volunteers, who have contributed more than 340,000 hours of service since the onset of the crisis—offering compassion, courage, and consistency in the face of one of the region’s most complex humanitarian emergencies.The Egyptian Red Crescent’s response to the large-scale population movement from Sudan was has also been supported by the IFRC through its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), which allocated 305,832 Swiss francs to the response. This funding enabled the ERCS to provide immediate, life-saving assistance.To scale up the response and address growing humanitarian needs at the Sudanese-Egyptian border, the IFRC also launched an Emergency Appeal, which is also mobilizing additional resources to support the ERCS in expanding its operations.Learn more about how you can join us in solidarity with refugees around the worldHelp support refugees and others displaced by fighting in SudanIFRC’s approach to migration and displacementGlobal Route-Based Migration ProgrammeHumanitarian Service PointsWorld Refugee Day: Syrian refugees in Jordan stitch a new life through skills training and education

IFRC president Kate Forbes in Rafah: ‘The struggle is no longer just about survival—it is about holding on to humanity’

By Kate Forbes, President of IFRCThe road to Rafah stretches through history, through heartbreak, and through the resilience of those who live at its edges. This was my second visit to Rafah—a key border-crossing point between Egypt and Gaza—since I became President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).My first visit was in February last year, when the crisis had already reached unbearable levels. I had hoped to find a different situation upon my return. But when we arrived, the reality was painfully familiar.During my first visit, the first thing I noticed was the line of trucks—packed with supplies that the people of Gaza desperately needed but could only receive in painstaking trickles.This time, a year later, there were fewer trucks backed up at the border as, during the first days of the ceasefire, the Egyptian Red Crescent had managed to get more aid into Gaza.The aid was still far too little to meet the enormous needs but it allowed the Palestine Red Crescent to deliver critical supplies and services. Sadly, on 2 March, the border crossing was once again closed to aid deliveries.Quiet determination, eroding hopeThe second thing I have witnessed at the Rafah border crossing is the quiet determination of the Egyptian Red Crescent staff and volunteers, working tirelessly to sort, coordinate, and push as much aid forward as possible.Their work is invisible to many, but without them, the humanitarian pipeline would collapse. They are the silent hands trying to stitch together the pieces of broken lives.Twelve months ago, the humanitarian situation in Gaza was already dire. It was a place of limited movement, of blockades, of recurring violence that flared and receded, leaving deeper scars each time. But there was still a semblance of hope—a belief that things could change.That belief has eroded. Today, the people in Gaza are trapped—not only by physical borders but by political and geopolitical constraints. The recent escalation of the conflict has not only reshaped the landscape of destruction but has fundamentally altered lives across the region.In South Lebanon, tension has escalated, turning daily life into a precarious existence where the next escalation could come at any moment.In Egypt, the border town of Rafah has become an unwilling witness to one of the most protracted humanitarian blockades of our time. Moreover, Egypt has become a safe harbor for those fleeing conflict, violence, and other humanitarian crises. Today, it is home to hundreds of thousands of people forced to flee their homes in search of safety and dignity—Palestinians from Gaza, Sudanese escaping a devastating armed conflict, and Syrians displaced by over a decade of conflict.For the people of Gaza, the struggle is no longer just about survival—it is about holding on to their humanity in a world that often seems to have forgotten them.What has changed in 12 months? The scale of suffering has grown. Hopes for peace have faded even further. Humanitarian access has become even more difficult.Serving humanity against all oddsWhat has not changed is the resilience of our Red Cross and Red Crescent teams.In the face of these multiple, overlapping humanitarian crises, our volunteers and staff continue, against all odds, to serve and to stand at the gates of crisis, refusing to turn their backs on those in need. They continue to demonstrate extraordinary courage, professionalism, and humanity.In South Lebanon, the Lebanese Red Cross staff continues to respond to the mounting needs of communities affected by rising tensions, providing emergency medical services, and support to those displaced.In the Occupied Palestinian Territorties (OPT), our Palestine Red Crescent teams continue to work under unimaginable conditions, providing life-saving care and support to communities shattered by violence and loss.On the other side of the border, the Egyptian Red Crescent plays a vital role in sustaining the humanitarian response. The National Society's dedicated teams coordinate the flow of aid, support displaced people, and ensure that hope continues to cross into Gaza even when the borders are closed.But our National Societies have not stood alone. The IFRC network has always been by their side. Since the outset of the escalation of hostilities, the IFRC has provided emergency funding and medical supplies, deployed technical expertise, coordinated logistics and ensured that humanitarian diplomacy amplifies the needs of those in vulnerable situations.Today, we face a challenge not only of responding to immediate needs, but of sustaining our support over time while ensuring safety of our teams in Gaza. Humanitarian fatigue is real. Resources are stretched. The crises are multiplying. Yet the needs are growing by the day.As I return from these travels, I keep thinking of the words of an Egyptian Red Crescent staff member:“We don’t have an exit strategy. We are from these communities, and we stand with the people of our communities for as long as they need us.”This is the essence and spirit of our National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies—something I witness in all my visits, something that makes our IFRC network so unique and so deeply human.

IFRC condemns the killing of eight Palestine Red Crescent medics in Gaza

Geneva, 30 March 2025: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is outraged at the deaths of eight medics from Palestine Red Crescent Society, killed on duty in Gaza.An emergency medical team of nine disappeared along with their ambulances when they came under heavy fire in Al-Hashashin on 23 March. After seven days of silence and having access denied to the area of Rafah where they were last seen, the bodies of ambulance officers Mostafa Khufaga, Saleh Muamer and Ezzedine Shaath and first responder volunteers Mohammad Bahloul, Mohammed Al-Heila, Ashraf Abu Labda, Raed Al Sharif and Rifatt Radwan were retrieved today (30 March). Ambulance officer Assad Al-Nassasra is still missing.IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain said: “I am heartbroken. These dedicated ambulance workers were responding to wounded people. They were humanitarians. They wore emblems that should have protected them; their ambulances were clearly marked. They should have returned to their families; they did not.”“Even in the most complex conflict zones, there are rules. These rules of International Humanitarian Law could not be clearer – civilians must be protected; humanitarians must be protected. Health services must be protected.“Our network is in mourning, but this is not enough. Instead of another call on all parties to protect and respect humanitarians and civilians, I pose a question: ‘When will this stop? All parties must stop the killing, and all humanitarians must be protected.’”This devastating incident represents the single most deadly attack on Red Cross Red Crescent workers anywhere in the world since 2017.Chapagain added: “The number of Palestine Red Crescent volunteers and staff killed since the start of this conflict is now 30. We stand with Palestine Red Crescent and the loved ones of those killed on this darkest of days.”For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Beirut:Mey Al Sayegh: +961 761 744 68 In London:Nichola Jones: +44 771 545 99 56 In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67 

‘A month of giving’ during ‘unprecedented suffering’: IFRC’s director for the Middle East and North Africa reflects on Ramadan and acts of kindness amidst conflict and tragedy

As Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, IFRC’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, Hossam Elsharkawi, reflects on the humanitarian crises impacting his region and on what Muslims consider a sacred month of fasting, giving and prayer.“Through fasting, you feel what's it like to be hungry, what's it like to be thirsty,” says Elsharkawi. “Ramadan is also a month of giving, when people share their meals and give more to charity.” Elsharkawi explains the time-honoured tradition of giving in the Islamic world, and about a campaign launched during Ramadan by the IFRC to accept zakat, a traditional form of giving in Muslim culture.

World Water Day 2025: Clean water is about safety, health and so much more

For first-grader Alif Aqabat, a young girl from the Yemeni city of Dhamar, school should have been a place of learning and growth. Instead, it became a daily struggle.“I couldn’t use the bathrooms or drink the water,” she recalled. “I told my mom I couldn’t stay because it wasn’t clean.”Alif wasn’t alone. Asmaa School for Girls in Dhamar was facing a major hygiene crisis. The restrooms were in poor condition, and the drinking water wasn’t safe. Teachers, like Afrah Al-Ashwal, who had been educating students there for 15 years, saw firsthand how this impacted the children.“We had lots of problems, especially students catching diseases,” she explained.But change was coming. Thanks to a dedicated water and sanitation project launched by the Yemen Red Crescent, the school underwent a much-needed renovation. New water taps were installed, and proper plumbing was put in place for the bathrooms.The renovations were one of several initiatives by the Yemen Red Crescent Society to upgrade or install new clean water and sanitation services in communities where needs are most acute. The work is supported through a joint initiative of the European Union and the IFRC known as the Programmatic Partnership.At the Asmaa School for Girls, the transformation was immediate.“The project has solved many problems in the school, especially regarding student health,” said Principal Ghada El Shazmi. “It has helped create an attractive and healthy environment for learning.”For Alif, the change meant one thing—she could finally return to school.“One day, I found out they installed clean water taps and fixed the restrooms,” she said. “So I told my mom I wanted to go back.”Now, Alif is back in school, learning, growing, and dreaming of a bright future. A simple change—clean water—made all the difference.From drought to hope: bringing clean water to Yemen’s Al Souq Al JadidIn another Yemeni community, a similar story is unfolding.For years, the women of Al Souq Al Jadid in Yemen’s Kharif District followed a daily routine that was both exhausting and frustrating. With water containers balanced on their heads, they walked long distances to wells—only to find them dry. Sometimes, they would have to trek even farther in search of another water source, their efforts often met with disappointment.Washing clothes was another struggle. Women carried heavy bundles of laundry up to the wells, hoping to clean their families’ clothes, only to discover there was no water. When that happened, their only option was to journey nearly a kilometer away to three rainwater pools.There, they would spend half the day washing blankets, utensils, and clothes—an arduous task made harder by the sheer distance and time involved.Water was a necessity, not just for drinking but for every aspect of life—cleaning the house, washing dishes, doing laundry, and even keeping animals hydrated.Yet, access to clean drinking water was never guaranteed. By the afternoon, water supplies often run low, forcing another trip to the well. The alternative was drinking from a rust-contaminated water tank, turning every sip into a health risk.The consequences of drinking from such contaminated sources can be serious – even deadly. Contaminated water sources in Yemen have led to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, and other health issues such as kidney problems and other bacterial infections.This is one of the reasons, the Yemen Red Crescent and the Programmatic Partnership embarked on an ambitious project to help alleviate the situation in Al Souq Al Jadid.Over a period of five months, the Yemen Red Crescent oversaw the installation of a reliable water distribution system that is now bringing clean water directly to homes. Today, more than 8,000 people—1,200 families across 900 households—benefit from the project.Gone are the days of waiting for mobile water tankers, uncertain of when the next supply would arrive. Now, water is pumped to a collection tank in Al-Birr and then distributed directly to homes in Al Souq Al Jadid.For the community, this project has been life-changing. The struggles of collecting water from distant wells are over. Women no longer spend hours on the road or at rainwater pools. And most importantly, families now have safe, clean water to drink.“We’re grateful we no longer go to wells,” one resident shared. “Today, we drink clean water, and everyone knows it’s much better than what we had before.”What was once a daily hardship is now a distant memory. Clean water has not just quenched thirst in this community—it has transformed lives.Learn more:Read more aboutWorld Water Day and IFRC’s approach toWater, Sanitation and HygieneRead more about theProgrammatic Partnership.Read more IFRC World Water Day 2025 stories:World Water Day 2025: Angola Red Cross and IFRC bring safe, treated water and hygiene messages to communities hard hit by choleraWorld Water Day: After the quake, Red Cross brings life-changing water to Vanuatu’s hidden communitiesWorld Water Day 2025: From glaciers to the kitchen sink, a story of water and resilience from two mountain villages in Tajikistan

Syria: Complex Emergency

The humanitarian crisis in Syria has sharply worsened following intensified hostilities since late November 2024, leading to mass displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and severe shortages in basic services. Donations to this urgent emergency appeal will help the Syrian Arab Red Crescent provide life-saving assistance, including food, shelter, health and protection services to 5 million people across Syria.

Lebanon: A former hospital has become a place of shelter and hope

In the Jnah area of Beirut, a former hospital that closed its doors more than a decade ago has been transformed into a shelter for families who were forced to leave their homes due to weeks of escalating conflict in Lebanon.Where there was once medical care and recovery, the building now shelters people who have lost everything, filling its halls with stories of struggle and survival.Among the shelter’s residents is Ahmed, a fourteen-year-old boy whose life has been turned upside down by the conflict. After being forced to move three times, Ahmed’s family finally arrived at this shelter, having escaped their suburban Beirut home one night when bombs shattered the neighborhood’s quiet.“That night, we just ran,” he recalled. They first took shelter on a beach until morning, then moved to Tripoli, 70 km north of Beirut, before eventually moving back to Beirut.Now, he continues his education remotely with lessons sent by email, though it’s not the same as being in school with friends.“I miss my friends,” he shared quietly. Despite the challenges, he expressed gratitude for the support his family has received from the Lebanese Red Cross, which has provided food, mattresses, and medical services.Another resident, Zahraa, was studying educational management and planning a career in teaching. She fled her home in the early hours of the morning when bombings made it unsafe to stay. Though her career is on hold, she is thankful for the shelter and the small comforts it offers, such as private bathrooms in each room.“We’re lucky to have found this shelter. It used to be a hospital, so every room has a bathroom, which makes things a bit easier,” Zahraa said, acknowledging the challenges while remaining hopeful for a more stable future.Kamal, another resident, has suffered an especially heavy loss—he has not only lost his home and livelihood but also four family members to the conflict. After leaving Nabatieh, South Lebanon, his family initially sought refuge in Ouzai, another Beirut suburb, but soon had to leave there as well. Now at the shelter, he’s struggling to rebuild his life from the ground up.Being forced to flee their homes multiple times was a common experience among residents of this shelter. And while many share a deep desire to return home, that hope feels distant. The areas they left behind are still dangerous, and some people don’t even have homes to return to anymore. Still, the displaced families express appreciation for the services provided by the Lebanese Red Cross.Reem, a volunteer with the Lebanese Red Cross from South Lebanon, has been helping her community for years. She was among those who built the Lebanese Red Cross center in the city of Nabatieh. Forced to leave her own home, she now finds herself in the role of both volunteer and displaced resident.“It’s incredibly hard to leave, but we have no choice,” she said as her eyes filled with tears.Despite the difficult circumstances, Reem is determined to keep wearing the red vest and continue supporting people in need..The support that Reem and other volunteers are providing is being backed up byaglobal emergency appeal, launched by the IFRC inNovember, that aims to address the urgent needs of 600,000 people.With the recent increase in airstrikes and attacks, the conflict has resulted in over 3,500 deaths and 15,000 injuries as of 28 October 2024. Through the emergency appeal, the IFRC will support the Lebanese Red Cross providing healthcare, food and shelter, as well as support with water, sanitation and hygiene. This appeal will also help scale up the search and rescue capacity of the Lebanese Red Cross.

IFRC launches Emergency Appeal to address immense humanitarian impact of hostilities in Lebanon

Geneva/Beirut, 5 November 2024: In the wake of the dramatic escalation of hostilities in Lebanon in September, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has today launched a Federation-wideEmergency Appealfor 100 million Swiss Francs.The ‘Lebanon: Complex Emergency Appeal’ aims to provide immediate and long-term relief to around 600,000 people affected by the conflict there and to support the critical ambulance services of the Lebanese Red Cross, whose volunteers have been on high alert since October last year.From the outset of escalations, the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) mobilised its staff and volunteers and activated contingency plans to address the ongoing crisis, with support from the IFRC, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners.The severe escalation of hostilities has led to widespread destruction and mass displacement in Lebanon, exacerbating an already dire socio-economic situation, and necessitating a new appeal to address the rapidly evolving humanitarian situation there more effectively.With winter approaching and many people now homeless or living in overcrowded conditions without proper heating, theLRC is crucial to the humanitarian response, providing essential relief including food, water, first aid, ambulance services, primary healthcare, hygiene kits and psychosocial support."We are seeing a huge need for basic goods to help the hundreds of thousands of people who have fled their homes. Many are now staying with family members or living in temporary shelters, such as schools,"said Lotte Ruppert, Operations Manager for the IFRC in Beirut."Going back to their houses is not an option at this moment, as the conflict areas are still very dangerous. On top of that, we are concerned for the safety of all health workers, including LRC volunteers, especially in the south of Lebanon.”On a visit to Beirut to launch the appeal and meet with the LRC, Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the IFRC, said,“Humanitarian needs in Lebanon are growing by the day. The funds raised in this appeal will allow the Lebanese Red Cross to sustain their life saving programmes and to reach far more people with far more positive impact. The needs are immense. I urge potential donors to do what they can to help contribute.”As the country faces one of its worst humanitarian crises in decades, the launch of this new Emergency Appeal will ensure a robust IFRC-wide response to the current crisis in Lebanon, while also addressing the longer-term consequences through recovery efforts.In parallel, the Middle East Complex Emergency Crisis Appeal will remain active until December 2025, covering the Red Cross Red Crescent response across the region. From November 2024, contributions to support the response efforts in Lebanon should be directed through this new Lebanon Complex Emergency Appeal. For more information, please contact:[email protected] Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79708 4367Hannah Copeland+41 76 236 9109In Beirut:Mey Al Sayegh, +961 7617 4468Bastiaan van Blokland, +31 6 46 80 80 96

Disaster Risk Reduction Day: Preparing for the future, today

As conflict in the Middle East escalates, Lebanon has been at the top of the news as the latest humanitarian crisis to unfold in an already complex region. The Lebanese Red Cross has been at the forefront of emergency response.For those whose job is to save lives during crisis, however, it’s also critical to keep an eye on what might be coming next. With winter coming, that means that there may be additional layers of suffering to address as temperatures drop and people — some displaced by the escalation in hostilities— face cold snaps and even snowstorms.This is why proactive approaches such as “anticipatory action” — beginning with response efforts based on forecasts, before weather events unfold — can be so critical. It not only helps to save lives, but it also helps emergency responders efficiently allocate resources among a range of dire humanitarian needs.It begins with monitoring the warning signs, such as weather forecasts or signs of disease outbreaks, to identify when a crisis might occur.Once the signs are detected, National Societies create detailed plans that outline what actions to take when the crisis does occur.“In Lebanon, anticipatory action has proven effective, especially during winter storms,” saysKassem Chaalan, Disaster Risk Reduction Director at the Lebanese Red Cross. “Ahead of a severe winter season with expected heavy snowfall in early 2024, the Lebanese Red Cross and partners took proactive measures.”“We used weather forecasts to alert communities allowing for early warnings to be issued to vulnerable communities,”he adds. “Moreover, we sent information and guidance to local communities on how to prepare for the storm, including advice on safeguarding their homes and ensuring personal safety.”This early action significantly reduced the negative impact of winter storms, saving lives and minimizing economic losses. The Lebanese Red Cross employed a similar approach during times of extreme heat as well.“This was also done during the hot summer season; actionable messages were disseminated during heat waves events in urban settings,”Chaalan says.Acting before floods occur in YemenIn Yemen, floods have been a regular occurrence during the past few years, devastating lives and livelihoods, and compounding an already dire situation.To reduce flood risks and protect lives, the Yemen Red Crescent Society is piloting an anticipatory action programme in Sana’a and Hadramout governorates, in coordination with meteorological and civil defence authorities, as well as relevant humanitarian organizations at both national and regional levels.The programme involves aSimplified Early Action Protocol (SEAP), which is the first to be developed in the IFRC’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In Yemen, SEAP is activated when heavy rainfall is forecast. The protocol includes simplified plans that allow the Yemen Red Crescent Society to act immediately and effectivelybefore floods occur, therefore preparing communities for worst-case scenarios.Anticipatory Action across the Middle East and North AfricaLebanon and Yemen are two of many countries in the MENA region that have unique vulnerabilities and challenges; these countries face a variety of crises, including natural disasters, climate change effects like wildfires, heatwaves and droughts, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts.These factors contribute to high levels of humanitarian needs, with many communities experiencing displacement and instability. This is where Anticipatory Action proves useful.For that reason, National Societies in the MENA region came together recently in Dubai during what was called the 1st MENA Dialogue Platform to establish a roadmap for Anticipatory Action in the region.“The MENA Dialogue Platform has been influential in enhancing our networking and collaboration,”adds Chaalan. “It allowed us at the Lebanese Red Cross to increase valuable connections with other humanitarian organizations, government agencies, and international partners, fostering essential collaborative efforts and information exchange for more effective crisis responses.“We gained crucial insights into best practices and innovative approaches from across the MENA region. Also, we advocated for and created linkages between different communities of practice, enhancing complementarity and increasing our collective impact. Given the rising frequency of hazards, this platform has underscored the importance of continuous learnings"By addressing vulnerabilities in advance, anticipatory action enhances the overall safety and well-being of communities, making it an essential strategy for sustainable development and disaster risk reduction.Learn more about anticipatory action in the IFRC network:Early warning, early actionDisaster and Crisis PreparednessAnticipatory Pillar of the IFRC's Disaster Response Emergency Fund

World Mental Health Day: What does mental health at work mean when your work is helping people in a conflict zone?

In a region as vast and diverse at the Middle East and North Africa (often referred to as the MENA region), where political instability, economic hardship, and natural hazards often overlap, mental health is often the first casualty.Yetmental health and psychosocial support too often remains one of the least prioritized aspects of overall health. Even when it is recognized, it is often extremely challenging to pay adequate attention to this critical need given the pressures of daily work life. We talked to some ofour colleagues in the IFRC’s Beirut office, which oversees the MENA region, about the realities of maintaining their psychological well-being, even as conflict escalates around them.“In theory, the idea of ‘taking care of one's mental health’ or ‘disconnecting’ sounds simple. But in practice, especially in high-stress situations like those we face in the MENA region, it is incredibly difficult. The pressure to constantly be available, to support colleagues, to follow up on emergencies, and to manage personal stressors leaves little room for true disconnection.“Lebanon is a prime example of how complex and intertwined mental health struggles can be. IFRC staff are grappling with ongoing uncertainty,some of us are displaced, others are not sleeping;the emotional toll is high, and yet we cannot put our work on hold.The weight of expectations versus reality can feel overwhelming, and that strain only intensifies when compounded by the crises happening around us. How can we remain productive under these conditions? This is our main challenge right now.”Ibrahim Chaaya, IFRC MENA Staff Health Senior Officer“The problem with a lot of mental health tips is that they have been developed during peacetime, in peaceful situations, for people dealing with diverse stressful situations, but not war. You can disconnect from work, from a dispute you had with someone, from the news, but you cannot ask a person to disconnect when they are the news, when all they can hear is bombings and drones all day long.I cannot be asked to disconnect when an airstrike shakes my home, my bed and my heart every time I try to close my eyes and get some sleep.We should take a step back and rethink the mental health methods and tools we are using, perhaps we should make them more contextualized, realistic, and therefore effective."Rima El Basst, IFRC MENA Community Health Assistant“Honestly, I’m not okay. Physically, I’m fine, but I’m generally not okay. Sometimes I feel numb, sometimes I cry out of the blue, sometimes I just feel unreal. There’s a mix of emotions and I cannot put it into words. You can use all the tools and do all the therapy, but it’s impossible to disconnect and it’s extremely difficult to take care of one’s mental health.“There are constant feelings of guilt and anxiety. I’m even scared of sleeping and I cannot hear a loud sound anymore without thinking that it’s an airstrike. I’ve been trying to take care of myself by doing little things, like finding support in other people by talking to them, but it’s just not enough.”Yasmin Hakim, IFRC MENA Migration Senior Officer“As a Communications Officer in emergencies, I am constantly connected to crises that never end. The challenge isn’t just the intensity of our work, but how the inability to disconnect deeply affects our mental health.Our digital presence mirrors the urgency and chaos of the real world, with each notification, post, and message bringing us closer to the heart of disasters. The pressure to stay engaged 24/7 blurs the line between personal time and professional duty, leaving little room for recovery. While we’re dedicated to our work, the toll on our mental health is often unseen but deeply felt—a cost that’s hard to ignore in the face of constant crises.”Joanna Daou, IFRC MENA Communications OfficerLearn more about how IFRC works to protect the psychological well-being of staff, volunteers and people impacted by crisis.Mental health and psychosocial support/IFRCWorld Mental Health Day: By helping others, a young volunteer learned how to help herselfUruguayan Red Cross project sends life-saving message: the lives of young people cannot be left just to chance – suicide is preventable5 top tips on maintaining mental health from Red Cross first-respondersBreaking the silence: addressing mental health and fighting stigma in the aftermath of Ukraine's conflictEuropean Mental Health Week: The healing power of art helps people cope with the upheaval caused by conflict

‘We are ready’: For hospital workers in Southern Lebanon, years of training face another test as conflict arrives at their doorstep

The ongoing crisis in the Middle East, sparked by the Israel-Gaza conflict, has sent shockwaves throughout the region, affecting neighboring countries and communities far beyond the initial conflict zone.In the city of Sidon in Lebanon’s South Governorate, staff and volunteers at the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s Al-Hamshari hospital have been preparing for worst-case scenarios, as bombings occur regularly right on their doorstep and Lebanon’s southern region becomes increasingly affected by the escalation of hostilities.Al-Hamshari is one of two Palestine Red Crescent hospitals in south Lebanon, serving Palestinian refugees and people of all nationalities. It’s also the largest of all five PRCS hospitals in Lebanon, meaning it is a crucial healthcare facility, especially in times of conflict, when its services are needed the most.This volatile environment has compelled the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Lebanon to brace for a surge in need, mobilizing resources and being on full alert to respond to the unfolding crisis.“We have more than 300 volunteers and staff members who have been receiving trainings as part of our emergency plan,”says Dr. Ziad El Ainen, Director of Emergency and Ambulance service in the Palestine Red Crescent’s Lebanon branch.A significant part of that training has been done with the Lebanese Red Cross, which also has significant experience responding to mass casualty events. “[Hospital personnel] have been well trained by the Lebanese Red Cross to respond effectively in times of conflict,” El Ainen says.To bolster its capacity to respond effectively to the escalating conflict, PRCS’s Al-Hamshari hospital initiated a comprehensive training program, which encompassed a range of essential skills, including basic life support, advanced cardiac life support, emergency echocardiography, mass casualty triage, and advanced first aid techniques. These trainings equipped the hospital's personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to mitigate the impact of conflict-related injuries and ensure timely and appropriate medical intervention.One person who has benefited from these trainings and is geared up to serve his people, especially during this conflict, is 58-year-old Hossam Sabha, a first responder who has been with the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Lebanon for almost 40 years.“As the Emergency Medical Services unit in the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Lebanon, we have taken all necessary precautions and steps to respond to any emergency,” Hossam says.“We’ve completed our trainings, and we are ready to mobilize at any time. We have an emergency plan in place for the South and Beirut, and all our teams are on stand-by. We are not afraid."It’s not just Hossam who’s driven by a sense of humanity. His own daughter, Saja, has inherited her father’s fearlessness. The conflict will not stop her from delivering life-saving services, she says.“I’m not afraid at all. I come to the hospital every day because I want to help other people, including my colleagues,” says 22-year-old Saja, who volunteers at Al-Hamshari hospital and is studying to become a nurse. Volunteering, she reckons, is unlike anything she’s experienced.“When you volunteer, you’re exposed to so many people, you get to see what’s happening in the real world. There’s nothing quite like the look of gratitude and relief on a person’s face after you have provided them with the help that they need.”There is no shame in feeling afraid, however, and hospital volunteers and staff are also trained to support each other in coping with their emotional reactions to the events unfolding around them. Saja works closely with 20-year-old Nagham Chanaa – the youngest intern in Al-Hamshari hospital – who's pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.Despite the stressful nature of her job and the country’s turbulent situation, Nagham somehow manages to smile through it all.“I’m someone who’s very anxious, actually,”she says. “I felt very afraid when I heard an explosion a few days ago — which turned out to be fake air raids — but everyone at the hospital came to me and tried to comfort me. I get a lot of mental support from my colleagues here. We support each other, and we convey that support to our patients as well.”While medical professionals like Nagham and Saja are essential in providing emergency care, anyone can contribute to their community during times of need. All it takes is a caring heart and a willingness to volunteer.19-year-old Ahmad Marwan El Issa, who’s pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree, is a prime example of that. He volunteers for the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Lebanon as an Emergency Medical Technician, and he does so knowing the risks involved.“The situation is scary because of its unpredictability,” he says. “We don’t know when an airstrike will hit and where it will hit, but we are ready to serve those in need, no matter what.”

Amman Declaration 2024: A unified call for future-ready humanitarian action in the MENA region

We, the leaders of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (RCRC) in the Middle East and North Africa, participating in the 11th MENA Conference, held in Amman, Jordan from 2 to 3 September 2024.We recall the "Baghdad Declaration" adopted at the 10th RCRC MENA Conference held in Baghdad in 2018, and appreciate the achievements of the RCRC National Societies in the MENA region, both collectively and individually in implementing the commitments of the Baghdad Declaration, while recalling some commitments that have not been fully implemented as a result of the deteriorating humanitarian challenges that the MENA region witnessed in the previous period, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of climate change, protracted conflicts and displacement, which have had devastating global repercussions and major health, social and economic impacts on communities and individuals in the region.Given the escalating and unprecedented humanitarian needs, it is imperative for National Societies to evolve and adapt to enhance their effectiveness and preparedness in responding to future challenges. This requires both individual and collective efforts, ensuring a well-coordinated and unified approach to humanitarian action.We reaffirm the resolutions adopted during the International Meetings of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, particularly the Seville Agreement 2.0 which emphasizes on Coordination within the Movement to achieve collective impact. We highlight the critical importance of coordinated humanitarian action by all components of the Movement, in line with this agreement. Additionally, we underscore the resolutions focused on strengthening integrity within the Movement, upholding comprehensive commitments to community engagement and accountability, and the development of the legal and statutory-base frameworks for National Societies.We reaffirm our commitment to the outcomes of the Regional Movement Conferences for the Africa and Asia Pacific regions held in 2023, specifically endorsing the Nairobi Declaration and the Hanoi Call for Action.In line with our focused discussion on the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and in light of the continued escalation of hostilities against civilians, volunteers, medical personnel and facilities and grave violations, we express our full solidarity with the Palestine Red Crescent Society, call for the application of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and call on all parties to work to de-escalate and enable safe, sustainable and unrestricted humanitarian access within the entire Gaza Strip, and remove obstacles to the work of humanitarian organizations, including the Palestine Red Crescent Society.We call on all National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to continue their efforts to urge the international community to secure a safe route for medical and emergency medical services teams and relief convoys where needed, and to ensure respect for the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblem.We salute the volunteers and staff of the Red Cross and Red Crescent for their unwavering dedication and commitment. We also honor and pay tribute to those who have tragically lost their lives in the noble service of humanity.We, the leaders of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the MENA region, have gathered under the theme "Humanity is Action and Compassion" where we discussed: our commitment to coordinated humanitarian action, strengthening the capacity and capabilities of National Societies amidst an unprecedented changing environment, empowering youth and volunteers as central elements of resilience and preparedness leading to more effective humanitarian responses across the MENA region, catalyzing efforts to ensure that our response becomes financially sustainable and capable of facing future challenges. We agree to:•Ensure that National Societies in the MENA region are strengthened to be better prepared to confront emerging humanitarian challenges and navigate the complexities of multifaceted crises, in line with the auxiliary role of National Societies in the humanitarian field and in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Fundamental Principles.•Work together to support the official recognition of the auxiliary role of National Societies in their countries, to strengthen their humanitarian status.•Commit to assisting National Societies in the MENA region in identifying key areas for capacity building and developing resilient, comprehensive strategies to enhance their readiness, responsiveness, adaptability, and sustainability.•Stress the need to ensure an effective humanitarian response with local leadership and efficient coordination among components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and other key stakeholders at all levels.•Emphasize the crucial importance of locally led humanitarian responses, supported by robust coordination among International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement components and key stakeholders at all levels.•Strive to ensure effective coordination and comprehensive, sustainable cooperation within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in the MENA region. This approach respects the essential role of National Societies and leverages the complementary strengths of the Movement's components to achieve optimal humanitarian outcomes for communities.•Mobilize our collective and complementary efforts on humanitarian diplomacy and advocacy to ensure that human values are promoted, and that positive changes are made in the interest of protecting and supporting the most vulnerable people.We call on the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross, with the support of relevant National Societies, to promote a stronger understanding of and learning from, effective implementation of the Seville Agreement 2.0, thus enhancing the coordination and operational capacities of Movement components.•We support National Societies in the MENA region in pursuing innovative and diversified funding strategies and implementing respectful partnerships through effective resource mobilization mechanisms.•We enhance the financial management systems and policies of National Societies to ensure sustainability, integrity, and accountability.•We leverage the opportunities offered by the digital transformation to enhance our ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to emerging humanitarian challenges and crises, while actively mitigating risks related to data protection.•We invest in empowering and engaging youth by expanding and diversifying opportunities for them to continuously develop their knowledge, leadership, and technical skills. We also ensure their active participation in decision-making at all levels and in relevant, effective, local humanitarian actions.•We support the outcomes of the MENA Youth Forum 2024, held virtually on 1 September 2024.•We implement measures to protect, support, and retain volunteers while recognizing and valuing their contributions.We, the leaders of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the MENA region, agree to prioritize the implementation of the practical commitments under the Amman Declaration 2024, with the support of the IFRC Regional Office, in line with an Implementation Guide the Amman Declaration 2024 to be subsequently developed, while ensuring effective monitoring of progress.In conclusion, we express our gratitude to the Jordan Red Crescent Society for hosting the 11th Conference for the Middle East and North Africa, and we extend our thanks to the leaders and people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their strong support of both the Conference and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. We also commend the Saudi Red Crescent Society for their role in supporting this conference and appreciate the participation of observers from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.Adopted in Amman, Jordan on 3 September, 2024