Conflict escalates in the Middle East
Civilians continue to bear the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.
Last updated: 5 June 2025
Since the devastating attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023, conflict has escalated in Gaza, with a surge in fighting in the West Bank.
Following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement, for more than 50 days now no humanitarian aid has entered Gaza.
People are on the brink, struggling to find food, unable to access clean water and living without safe shelter.
Amidst a collapsing health system, the Red Cross and Red Crescent is providing a lifeline to help those in need.
We need a renewed ceasefire that can allow for sustained and unimpeded aid, protection for civilians and humanitarian workers and the release of the hostages.
Palestine Red Crescent Society teams and volunteers provide first aid services and psychological first aid. PHOTO: PRCS
Gaza and the West Bank in numbers
- The death toll in Gaza is over 45,000. There have been over 968 fatalities in the West Bank.
- Over 109,000 people have been injured in Gaza and over 15,000 in the West Bank.
- 90% of Gaza’s population have been displaced from their homes, often more than once.
Israel in numbers
- The death toll in Israel is over 1,200, with more than 5,400 injured.
- Over 143,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement response
Amidst unimaginable conditions in Gaza, the Palestine Red Crescent Society is providing a lifeline to help those in need.
Since the start of the ceasefire agreement, the ICRC has facilitated multiple release operations, reuniting those held hostage with their families. It has also facilitated the release of Palestinian detainees.
The ICRC remains ready to continue to implement the agreement so that more families can be reunited.
The ICRC has received over 13,000 requests from families searching for missing loved ones, with many still in uncertainty about their fate. The ICRC has helped more than 1,400,000 people access clean water.
Over the past 18 months, 1,500 Palestine Red Crescent staff and volunteers have distributed 1.6 million emergency aid items, and are operating 27 medical points, saving lives and giving hope. The Egyptian Red Crescent Society has carried out over 2,500 medical evacuations from Gaza.
The Lebanese Red Cross has deployed ambulances and emergency medical volunteers across Lebanon and is supporting in urban search and rescue and evacuation.
In Israel, the Magen David Adom is the recognised National Society of the State of Israel. It provides humanitarian assistance according to our Fundamental Principles. In 2024, teams were dispatched over 1,400,000 times.
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