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: 22 July 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.

The Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah, the last fully operational hospital in the area, is facing an unprecedented influx of patients, as mass casualty events surge in both scale and frequency.

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.

See what's happening in Gaza for updated details.

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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 Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is providing a lifeline to help those in need.

The ICRC has facilitated multiple release operations, reuniting hostages and Palestinian detainees with their families.
It remains ready to support further releases under the agreement.
Over 13,000 families have contacted the ICRC seeking missing loved ones, while many still await news.
In the past 18 months, 1,500 Palestine Red Crescent staff and volunteers have distributed 1.6 million emergency aid items and operated 27 medical points, providing lifesaving care.
More than 1.4 million people have gained access to clean water through ICRC efforts.
The Egyptian Red Crescent has conducted over 2,500 medical evacuations from Gaza.
The Lebanese Red Cross has deployed ambulances and emergency medical teams across Lebanon, supporting search, rescue, and evacuation efforts.
In Israel, Magen David Adom, the recognised National Society, provided humanitarian aid in line with the Fundamental Principles, with over 1.4 million team dispatches in 2024.