(Hong Kong, 5 February 2024) The intensified armed conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip since early October last year has resulted in over 28,000 deaths. At least 75% of the total population in Gaza have been forced to leave their homes. Over 2 million people in Gaza are facing a desperate situation as violence continues and supplies of clean water, food, medical supplies and fuel have been running out over the past 3 months and less than 30% of hospitals in the Gaza Strip are able to operate properly currently. There is an urgent need for humanitarian support.The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) calls on all parties toabide by their obligations under International Humanitarian Law, and safeguard civilians, humanitarian personnel and medical facilities.
Hong Kong Medical personnel participated humanitarian supportinthe Gaza Strip
Dr Au Yiu-kai, a long-termMedical Volunteer of the Hong Kong Red Cross (HKRC), recently joined the ICRC to provide emergency medical support at theEuropean Gaza Hospital in Rafah, Southern of Gaza Stripfor approximately one month.The main duties of Dr Au are providing medical treatments and maintaining hospital operations. Dr Au witnessed the hardship of civilians amid the conflict, including brothers who lost their parents in the war, elderly women with over 30% of their bodies burned, and a woman left paralyzed on lower half of her body. “The scale and impact of this artillery fire are more severe than previous conflicts. In addition to the current suffering, the road to recovery for the injured will be long and challenging. Humanitarian operations and global attention are crucial for the local people” said Dr Au.
Red Cross Actions
The ICRC has been engaging in humanitarian work in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip for over 50 years, upholding the principles of Humanity, Neutrality, Impartiality, and Independence, and providing essential necessities to the vulnerable communities in the region.Since the conflict began, the ICRC, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and Magen David Adom in Israel (MDA) have been on the frontline of the humanitarian response, including supplying fuel and electricity to the Gaza Strip to ensure the continued operation of water pumping stations. They have also arranged water trucks and set up water tanks to provide drinking water. The Red Cross provides medical supplies to local hospitals and health departments and distributes blankets, waterproof canvas, hygiene items, and cash assistance to displaced people. Additionally, during a recent ceasefire period, both sides released over 100 Israeli and foreign hostages and more than 150 Palestinian detainees, and more humanitarian aid was allowed to enter Gaza under the coordination of the ICRC.
The ICRC reiteratesthat civilians should never be targeted, held hostage, and they should receive humanitarian and medical support. As Mirjana Spoljaric, ICRC President said, “Among the most shocking impact is the agony children have had to bear. Children have been ripped from their families and held hostage. In Gaza, ICRC surgeons treat toddlers whose skin is charred from widespread burns. What more must children endure? The images of suffering, dead and wounded children will haunt us all.”
The HKRC calls on the public to continue paying attention to this crisis.The HKRC has already allocated HKD 1.6 millionto the ICRC to support people affected by the conflict and are planning further steps based on the local situation and humanitarian needs. Additionally, the HKRCcontinues to accept public donations to the “Emergency Appeal for Israel and Gaza Conflict” to support the local humanitarian relief works. For details, please refer to:
https://www.redcross.org.hk/en/Emergency_Appeal_for_Israel_and_Gaza_Conflict.html
Appendix 1: About the International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
The International Humanitarian Law, or IHL, is also known as the law of war or the law of armed conflict. It is a set of rules which seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict. It protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in the hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare. It is specifically intended to resolve matters of humanitarian concern arising directly from armed conflicts, whether of an international or non-international nature.
Details: https://www.redcross.org.hk/en/rcmovement/ihl.html
Introduction Video: https://youtu.be/XJVMRCPa--4?si=rkj2WXPsZ4MDy4Da
Appendix 2: About the Use of the Emblem
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement recognizes several distinctive emblems, namely the Red Cross, Red Crescent, Red Lion and Sun, and Red Crystal. These emblems have distinct roles and functions during both peace time and in times of conflict.
Details: https://www.redcross.org.hk/en/rcmovement/emblem-use.html
Introduction Video: https://youtu.be/4tYRF2LZlFE?si=Iao8Dpsv1AaHNDWn
About the Hong Kong Red Cross
Established in 1950, the Hong Kong Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the world’s humanitarian network serving over 190 countries. We dedicate ourselves to motivating people from all walks of life to put humanitarian spirit into action. With services in four main areas, namely, “Emergency Relief and Disaster Preparedness”, “Community Health Service and Education”, “Humanitarian Engagement and Education”, and “Special Education and Rehabilitation”, we provide a diversified humanitarian platform for Hong Kong citizens. Please visit www.redcross.org.hk for details.
Media Enquiries
Alan Ng, Acting Corporate Communications Manager (+852 2507 7510 / alan.ng@redcross.org.hk)
Mela Chan, Assistant Corporate Communications Manager (+852 2507 7725 / mela.chan@redcross.org.hk)