Humanitarian Response Report No: 2/2024 (February 14 -16, 2024 – 24:00)[EN/AR]

In the wake of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip starting October 2023, and the escalation of attacks in the West Bank, the Palestine Red Crescent Society has increased its preparedness to address the humanitarian, relief, and medical needs of those affected by the Israeli attacks in the occupied Palestinian territory. This report provides an overview of the current situation in the occupied territory and the significant humanitarian interventions undertaken by PRCS’ staff and volunteers across the governorates.

Southern Provinces - Gaza Strip:

Overview of the PRCS Branches during the reporting period:

North Gaza and Gaza Governorate:

• Gaza Branch and its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Center: The facilities of the Gaza branch were entirely damaged by the intense bombardment in the Tal al-Hawa region of Gaza City. Consequently, PRCS ceased its service provision INCLUDING ITS EMS services as of 14/11/2023, compelling the medical and administrative staff to evacuate the area.

• PRCS Al-Quds Hospital: Suffered substantial damage from the Israeli shelling surrounding it and the direct strikes on various parts of facilities and sections. Following a siege lasting over 14 days, operations were halted, leading to the displacement of its staff, patients, and approximately 14,000 persons southward on 14/11/2023. To date, the hospital remains non-operational. It had attended to (1,169) injuries from October 2023 until 11/11/2023.

• North Gaza Branch and its EMS Center: Endured significant destruction due to relentless bombing by Israeli forces, rendering the provision of EMS services unfeasible. The emergency response teams were thus relocated to a “safer” location in the center of Jabalia refugee camp, away from the intense bombings. An UNRWA clinic was adapted as a temporary base for providing EMS services in the North Gaza governorate.
Central District:

• PRCS Branch and EMS Center: EMS and relief staff are operational 24/7 to respond to the humanitarian needs of both residents and displaced individuals within the governorate. The branch's facility in Deir al-Balah currently accommodates approximately 300 displaced people from the North Gaza region .
The medical team has resumed its operation in Deir Al Balah clinic on 15\11\2023 to receive patients and injured residents and IDPs.

Khan Younis Governorate :

• PRCS Branch and its Service Centers: Since the onset of January, the headquarters and various PRCS service centers in Khan Younis have been subject to repeated attacks by the Israeli occupation forces. These attacks have led to casualties among the displaced seeking a safe refuge at the facility, with the numbers exceeding 7,000 individuals. Not only has the facility sustained significant damages due to the bombings, but also the Israeli occupation forces have enforced a stringent blockade around the premises, severely restricting the movement of PRCS staff and hindering their capacity to execute their humanitarian mandate within the governorate. The continuous and direct attacks necessitated the evacuation of displaced individuals through a humanitarian corridor. This was devised to safeguard their lives, particularly after the tragic loss of (27) individuals during the siege due to Israeli targeting. Faced with logistical challenges in transporting the deceased civilian martyrs, the staff were forced to bury them within the grounds of Al-Amal Hospital.

• Al-Amal Hospital: it has repeatedly been the target of military attacks by the Israeli occupation forces and the latest incident was on 16\2\2024, which lead to significant damage to two administrative rooms and the four-ceiling and the elevator of the hospital. Former attacks lead to significant damages to its operating theaters, nurses’ facilities, and patient wards. The hospital faced a critical shortage of medical and logistical supplies, exacerbated by a fuel deficit that necessitated the adoption of a conservation-focused electricity consumption plan. This situation was especially dire given the critical health conditions of the (149) patients in need of uninterrupted care.

In the aftermath of a forced evacuation, the hospital staff continue in their efforts to provide care to the remaining patients and injured individuals within the facility. In the late afternoon on 9/2/2024, the hospital was raided by military forces. During this attack, (9) members of the medical and volunteer staff, as well as nine injured individuals and their attendants were detained. The military forces also committed vandalised the hospital infrastructure, including medical and logistical equipment, VHF communication devices, and laptops. Furthermore, they also looted funds from the hospital's safe and personal belongings of patients. Ambulance vehicles were deliberately vandalized, and their keys confiscated, severely hindering the medical team's capacity for future emergency responses. The blockade of PRCS headquarters by the military has persisted for (25) consecutive days, accompanied by continuous gunfire, further complicating the humanitarian situation on the ground.

Rafah Governorate:

PRCS Branch and EMS Center: In response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Rafah, where the displaced population exceeds 1.3 million, PRCS staff are dedicated to operating continuously to mitigate their hardships and respond to their humanitarian needs. Beyond offering emergency medical and EMS services, as well as relief support throughout the governorate, PRCS has set up AlQuds field hospital but still it is not operational because medical equipment needed for its operation were not allowed into Gaza Strip by Israeli occupation. Additionally, PRCS is commissioned with the critical task of receiving, processing, and distributing aid consignments that arrive to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to PRCS centers and affiliated parties.