Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Since October 2023, we have seen a devastating escalation in the armed conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory; the acts of violence by Hamas in Israel, the military response by Israel in the Gaza Strip, alongside growing tensions and hostilities across the wider region. Civilians including families and communities have continued to be torn apart, and individuals displaced, causing relentless human suffering and a dire humanitarian situation.

All components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the Movement) are responding to the humanitarian crisis and working within their complementary roles. This extends across all sides and within affected communities in Israel, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and neighbouring countries, providing vital humanitarian assistance and health services. Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and Magen David Adom (MDA) – supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) – are on the frontlines of the response.

The conflict, violence and escalation of hostilities in Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and Lebanon, and the impact on other surrounding countries, is deeply distressing. The horrific impacts of this escalation of hostilities are also felt deeply by communities here in Australia, including by many of our members, volunteers, staff, and program beneficiaries who are personally impacted.

We take no side other than the side of humanity, which is universal to all of us. Our neutrality is not indifference and our confidentiality is not silence. We remain committed to helping people suffering due to this armed conflict.

We continue to call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law (IHL), also known as the laws of war, ensuring the protection of civilians, critical infrastructure, healthcare and humanitarian workers and their facilities. We continue to reiterate the IFRC and ICRC’s request for:

• the unconditional release of all hostages and their dignity, safety and medical needs cared for;
• the protection of civilians;
• the humane treatment of all detainees;
• unhindered access for aid into, and around, the Gaza Strip; and
• the protection of humanitarian workers, healthcare workers and their facilities.