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A child in the arms of a Red Crescent volunteer

Gaza – this is how we help

Gaza – this is how we help

The situation is terrible for many people in Gaza. We are trying to avoid famine and provide vital health care. Donate to our work in Gaza and the surrounding area now!

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Almost two years since the conflict escalated in Gaza, the situation is deteriorating. Families have been torn apart, homes destroyed and tens of thousands people have died. 

We have been on the ground aiding those affected by the conflict in Gaza and the surrounding area from the very beginning – and we will never leave. Donate now and save lives.

Your donation can provide:

  • 262 SEK is enough for a food package that can feed an entire family for two days. The shortage of food is severe in Gaza. We distribute food packages containing meals that are ready to eat.
  • 340 SEK is enough for a healthcare package for our ambulance paramedics, who save lives every day. The healthcare package includes medical equipment, pain relief and medicine for five people.
  • 764 SEK is enough for a baby package. Babies are especially vulnerable to diseases and dirty water. The baby package includes items such as wet wipes, diapers, soap, underwear, pyjamas, and a baby blanket.

Saving lives at our field hospital in Rafah

Severe attacks in Gaza leads to urgent need for health care. We help injured people all over Gaza and during May 2024 we opened a field hospital in Rafah, in southern Gaza, to be able to provide emergency care.

Our field hospital is one of the few hospitals still functioning. Despite a lack of materials and medicines, our healthcare workers continue to help people in need. We have received over 80 000 patients and performed 3 400 operations. In addition, around 400 children have been born at the hospital - a glimmer of hope in the midst of chaos.

Nous is one of the children we were able to give a safer start in life thanks to our field hospital in Rafah. She and her parents got the care they needed and when they left the hospital they got clothes, diapers and hygiene items.
Nous is one of the children we were able to give a safer start in life thanks to our field hospital in Rafah. She and her parents got the care they needed and when they left the hospital they got clothes, diapers and hygiene items.
Foto: Röda Korset

The situation in Gaza is unbearable

The humanitarian needs in Gaza are extremely urgent. In parts of Gaza, famine is now a reality.

This has been confirmed by the expert organization IPC, which works to analyze hunger crises around the world. Famine, the fifth and highest level of a hunger crisis, means, among other things, that at least 30% of children under the age of five are acutely malnourished. Declaring a famine is rare – it has only happened a handful of times worldwide in the recent decades. Gaza City is among the famine affected locations.

We are doing everything we can to ensure that people have enough to eat. We have distributed emergency aid to hundreds of thousands of families and are working intensively to ensure that more aid can reach those in need.

Volunteers fall victim to the violence

Time and time again we have received news that our colleagues in Palestine and Israel have fallen victim to the conflict. In Gaza, over 30 of our aid workers have been killed. It is completely unacceptable!

The laws of war are crystal clear. Civilians and aid workers are not a target.

Here's how we are helping on the ground in Gaza:

  • 1,3 million have received hospital care
  • 100,000 have received psychosocial support
  • 436,000 families have received clean water, food packages, hygiene kits, blankets, mattresses, water containers and kitchen kits.
  • Thousands of volunteers help in the life-saving efforts.​
  • We give first aid, drive ambulances and make sure that injured people get to hospital.
  • ​We run hospitals.
  • We help people who need to be evacuated from their homes.

Civilians must never be attacked

We urge all parties to respect international humanitarian law.

  • Aid workers on the ground in Gaza must be protected and not be targeted under any circumstances.
  • We are deeply concerned about the call for civilians to leave their homes in northern Gaza.
  • Our volunteers must be protected so that they can protect others. We will not abandon those who need the help the most.
  • For us to be able to assist affected people, aid must be able to arrive safely. Humanitarian organizations must be granted access.
  • The warring parties must ensure that civilians have shelter, food, medical care, water, the ability to maintain hygiene, and safety. If the parties cannot provide this, humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach those in need.
  • We urge all parties to follow the international humanitarian law and protect civilians. These rules exist to protect humanity in the darkest of times. There is a desperate need for them to be followed today.

We help in both Palestine and Israel

The Red Cross is a neutral and impartial organisation. We help affected people, regardless of who they are and where they come from. During the recent conflict and escalating violence, we have assisted in both Palestine and Israel. In Israel, our colleagues have provided care and operated ambulances, among other services. We continue to provide humanitarian support to all those in need.

Facts about Gaza

  • The Gaza Strip is located along the Mediterranean border with Egypt and borders Israel to the north and east.
  • Population: 2.1 million (2023). Nearly half live in refugee camps.
  • Area: 363 km² (140 square miles)