Israel-Iran: British Red Cross deeply concerned by escalation of violence
Magen David Adom in Israel and the Iranian Red Crescent Society are helping people caught up in hostilities in the region.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society have launched relief and rescue operations to assist those affected. PHOTO: Iranian Red Crescent Society.
Last updated 26 June 2025
Israel-Iran escalation: What's happening?
In recent days, civilians have been caught up in hostilities, with around 500 people killed in Iran and 28 killed in Israel.
The conflict has escalated into a full-scale military confrontation with significant regional and global implications, devastating lives and deepening humanitarian suffering.
Magen David Adom in Israel and the Iranian Red Crescent Society are part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Both are providing life-saving medical care in their countries.
Magen David Adom has activated a comprehensive contingency plan, mobilising all 35,000 personnel. PHOTO: Magen David Adom
Iranian Red Crescent Society and Magen David Adom give aid amid worsening conditions
The Iranian Red Crescent Society and Magen David Adom (MDA) responded immediately and are working tirelessly amid extremely difficult circumstances.
Despite the challenging conditions, they continue to put their communities first and do all they can to help people in need.
Magen David Adom is providing life-saving medical care across all affected areas. PHOTO: Magen David Adom
MDA have mobilised 35,000 staff and volunteers to provide life-saving medical care across all areas of the country.
This includes 2,000 fully staffed ambulances and mobile intensive care units, and a national blood donation campaign collecting 2,000 units per day.
Specialised rescue teams are also running search and evacuation operations. Tragically, a number of paramedics were injured after their vehicle was hit by missile debris over the weekend.
On 19 June MDA conducted a major operation to evacuate Soroka hospital including the use of life support buses and advanced ambulances.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society is providing both physical and psychological assistance. PHOTO: Iranian Red Crescent Society.
In Iran, over 1,600 Iranian Red Crescent staff and volunteers have gone to more than 60 locations to help people injured in the conflict. Another 70,000 staff and volunteers are on standby.
Relief and rescue operations have been launched to assist those affected, provide emergency shelter, and deliver essential medical support.
Teams are also helping people deal with the psychological toll of the conflict. The Iranian Red Crescent Society is leading search and rescue operations across the country and providing other relief services like field assessments, first aid and emergency evacuations.
Tragically, four Iranian Red Crescent Society’s aid workers have lost their lives in the line of duty, and at least one other has been injured.
No one should lose or have to risk their life while providing vital humanitarian support to people who need it most. Humanitarian workers must be safe to carry out their lifesaving work and help those who need them without fear.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent “deeply alarmed” by hostilities
The Red Cross is deeply concerned by the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Iran and is in contact with partners on the ground.
The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) calls on all parties involved to exercise the utmost restraint. The safety and protection of civilians must be ensured.
In a statement released on 13 June 2025, the International Committee of the Red Cross said: “We are deeply alarmed by the latest hostilities in the Middle East, and we urgently call for respect of international humanitarian law.
“Further escalation in a region already wracked by multiple conflicts risks sparking a broader regional crisis with devastating consequences for all communities, exacerbating existing humanitarian emergencies and displacing more people both within their countries and beyond.
“Beyond legal obligations, decisive political action is needed to scale back hostilities that will lead to further suffering and destruction. Urgent diplomatic steps must be taken to bring back stability and safeguard lives.”
The Red Cross calls for actors to prioritise de-escalation
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is there for people in crisis, no matter who they are or where they are.
The Movement’s neutrality, independence and impartiality mean that we help people, no matter what.
Tragically, civilians often bear the brunt of conflict. We repeat the ICRC's calls for all actors to prioritise de-escalation and the preservation of human life and dignity.
More on the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
Magen David Adom and the Iranian Red Crescent Society are part of our neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian Movement. In their countries, they are helping people based on need and without discrimination, following our shared Fundamental Principles.