Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

oPt

QRCS launches $1.1 million humanitarian response to Gaza war

Attachments

August 9th, 2022 ― Doha: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) launched today an emergency humanitarian response to the recent war on Gaza, which took a heavy toll, killing 41 victims, including women and children, and wounding 311 people, according to the latest Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH) data.

Immediately as the war erupted, QRCS activated its Disaster Information Management Center (DIMC) in Doha to keep updated about the humanitarian situation and needs there. Its representation office in Gaza is closely coordinating with humanitarian partners, mainly Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

QRCS allocated $1.1 million (around QR 4.2 million) for emergency response, by meeting the key needs of 60,250 civilian beneficiaries most affected by the war. The action plan involves the following components:

  1. Food parcels for 30,000 people at a cost of QR 1,400,894.

  2. Urgent support for Gaza hospitals to serve up to 20,000 people, at a cost of QR 1,530,904.

  3. Rehabilitation of damaged water and sewage systems/facilities for the benefit of 10,000 people, at a cost of QR 570,556.

  4. Rehabilitation of damaged household homes, with a total of 250 beneficiaries and a cost of QR 732,236.

QRCS issued an official statement strongly denouncing the bombing of residential districts and civilian buildings, which left behind dozens of casualties, destroyed homes, and lost livelihoods. This is one more episode of crackdown on the already suffering blockade.

In light of this blatant aggression against peaceful civilians at their homes, QRCS, a humanitarian member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement that is concerned with protecting vulnerable lives and alleviating human suffering, strongly condemns this shameful act, which represents a flagrant violation of all principles of international humanitarian law and human rights. It contradicts all international, ethical, and religious instruments and conventions. The common Article 3 of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols gives civilians protection at times of war and prohibits attacks against the lives and physical safety of those not directly engaged in hostilities.

Failure to comply with these provisions, QRCS warns, will be a grave violation of the legal and ethical obligation to respect and protect human life. It reiterates its absolute denunciation of any hostile acts against civilians and/or relief/medical personnel. At the same time, it expresses sincere condolences to the families of victims and calls upon everyone to respect the provisions of the four Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law, and to ensure humane treatment of civilians in conflict zones.

QRCS’s office in Gaza was created early in 2008 to provide relief and development assistance for the people of Gaza, seeking to alleviate the suffering and meet the social and humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. This has translated into some 80 projects, worth over $107 million, which greatly helped the people of Palestine to survive and live better.

To support the Palestinians in this plight, you can donate via QRCS’s website (www.qrcs.qa/pal); SMS (https://qrcs.qa/p/); SMS to 92552 (QR 250), 92869 (QR 350), 92092 (QR 500), or 92246 (QR 1,000); call the home donation collection service (33998898) or the donor service (66666364); call center (44027777), or bank transfer via Dukhan Bank (IBAN: QA37BRWA000000000200000094340), Qatar National Bank (IBAN: QA48QNBA000000000850020196061) or QIIB (IBAN: QA66QIIB000000001111126666003).

End of Text

About Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS)

Established in 1978, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is Qatar’s first humanitarian and volunteering organization that aims to assist and empower vulnerable individuals and communities without partiality or discrimination. QRCS is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which consists of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and 192 National Societies. It is also a member of several GCC, Arab, and Islamic organizations, such as the Islamic Committee of International Crescent and the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO). In this legally recognized capacity, QRCS has access to disaster and conflict zones, thus serving as an auxiliary to the State of Qatar in its humanitarian and social efforts — a role that distinguishes it from other local charities and NGOs.

Both locally and internationally, QRCS has relief and development operations in numerous countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Central and South America. Its humanitarian mandates include disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and risk reduction. To mitigate the impact of disasters and improve the livelihoods of affected populations, QRCS provides medical services, food, water, shelter, and other needs of local communities. It is also active at the humanitarian diplomacy and advocacy front.

With the help of a vast network of trained, committed staff and volunteers, QRCS aspires to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity, inspired by the seven Fundamental Principles of humanitarian action: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.