Israel-Gaza conflict: release and transfer of hostages begins, and vital humanitarian aid enters Gaza
Here’s the latest news explaining what's happening in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and how the Red Cross and Crescent Movement is supporting people affected.
Last updated 29 November 2023
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Since 7 October, we have seen some of the worst violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel in recent years. The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement will remain on the ground, providing support and vital aid to affected communities on all sides.
Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory conflict: summary of latest news
- On Friday 24 November, teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the release and transfer of hostages held in Gaza. The ICRC also transferred Palestinian detainees to the West Bank.
- As part of the operation, vital aid has been allowed to enter Gaza on 24 November.
- More than 1,400 people have reportedly been killed in Israel and 11,070 in the Gaza Strip, with thousands more injured
- More than 1.7 million people are reportedly displaced in Gaza, as people seek safety in the south.
- Violence is escalating in the West Bank and movement is becoming restricted. 212 people have died
Read: Gaza humanitarian crisis: Resources run out and displacement soars
An ICRC convoy transporting freed hostages heads towards the Rafah crossing.
We are relieved that some families will be reunited after long agony.Fabrizio Carboni, ICRC regional director for the Near and Middle East
Has the ICRC transferred hostages?
On Friday 24 November, teams from the ICRC began a multi-day operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages held in Gaza, and of Palestinian detainees to the West Bank.
The operation includes the delivery of additional, much-needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
In its role as a neutral intermediary, the ICRC will transfer hostages held in Gaza over several days to Israeli authorities and on to their families, and Palestinian detainees to authorities in the West Bank, to be reunited with their families.
The ICRC will also bring in additional medical supplies to be delivered to hospitals in Gaza, reinforcing the aid deliveries the ICRC has already carried out.
The parties to the conflict agreed to the details of the operation, including who would be released and when. The ICRC was not involved in the negotiations, and its role is to help facilitate the agreement as a neutral intermediary.
Fabrizio Carboni, the ICRC's regional director for the Near and Middle East says: "The deep pain that family members separated from their loved ones feel is indescribable. We are relieved that some will be reunited after long agony.
"Our deep desire is for all hostages to be released, and that civilians be shielded from the pain and suffering that armed conflict brings."
What is the situation like for people in Israel and Gaza?
The humanitarian impact of the conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory is deeply alarming and is worsening every day.
In all communities, people are grieving those killed and treating the injured. Safe and sustained humanitarian access across Gaza is urgently needed.
The situation in Israel
In Israel, the families of more than 220 hostages (prior to the recent release of some hostages) have endured weeks of suffering with no news of their loved ones. Others are mourning the deaths of more than 1,400 people, who were killed on 7 October.
Some hostages have now been released after the ICRC
The ICRC is calling for the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza. The ICRC has stated publicly and clearly that the taking of hostages is prohibited under international humanitarian law.
Staff and volunteers from Magen David Adom (MDA) in Israel have been working round the clock to treat casualties, and provide ambulances and life-saving first aid to all those who need it.
They face immense danger themselves. is vital that all parties respect their legal obligations under international humanitarian law and protect civilians and healthcare workers at all times.
Fear is everywhere in Israel. People don’t know where the next threat will come from, or what to expect.
The situation in Gaza
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening every day and has become a humanitarian catastrophe. People are desperately waiting for humanitarian aid to enter. The aid currently reaching Gaza, though welcome, is nowhere near enough to meet the immense humanitarian needs.
Civilian infrastructure across Gaza is being destroyed, sowing seeds of hardship for generations to come. Critical services like health care, water, and electricity must be immediately restored in Gaza as a lifesaving priority.
Gaza remains under a full electricity blackout and its sole power plant has shutdown.
The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is working together to address the immense humanitarian needs in Gaza. The Palestine Red Crescent Society and Egyptian Red Crescent have facilitated aid into Gaza via the Rafah crossing.
Is there access in Israel and Gaza for humanitarian organisations?
Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers are working day and night to bring life-saving assistance and medical treatment to those who need it to the men, women and children who need it most – whoever and wherever they are.
As local and national responders, both the Magen David Adom in Israel and the Palestine Red Crescent Society have a trusted relationship with their local communities – established over many years.
Their unique abilities to provide far-reaching humanitarian and medical services, are essential in the current emergency and for recovery in the future.
The neutrality of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is key in situations like this. It helps us to build trust with communities and to gain access to people in need.
Map of Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory
What has the Red Cross been doing to help people in Gaza and Israel?
The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is providing response through the PRSC, MDA and the ICRC.
Teams were already on the ground when the conflict escalated and have been responding to urgent humanitarian needs with vital aid and support, including providing first aid, ambulances, and medical support.
How we’re supporting people in Israel and Gaza:
Magen David Adom
MDA has mobilised all its available resources to assist the injured. This includes 1,400 ambulances, and 10,000 first responders. All MDA ambulances are staffed and on call 24/7. With 130 additional teams on active duty on top of regular activities.
Teams are also planning for possible escalation and are on the highest level of alert across Israel.
- supporting health authorities with inter-hospital transfers and evacuating bedridden people from border communities
- providing breast milk to babies whose mothers have been kidnapped or who are unable to provide themselves
- collected, tested and processed 57,000 units of blood for medical facilities
- treated more than 4,000 patients.
Teams are also planning for possible escalation and are on the highest level of alert across Israel, and assisting the military and police with death notifications.
Staff and volunteers are also conducting trauma care first aid sessions, with more than 20,000 attendees.
Palestine Red Crescent Society
PRCS has been able to distribute relief items to more than 38,000 internally displaced families (379,000 people) in temporary shelters and at their hospitals.
Aid items include food parcels, milk, blankets, mattresses, water as well as some hygiene kits, kitchen sets, and baby necessities to affected communities.
- PRCS paramedics have provided emergency medical care to 10,838 people and transported more than 3,378 fatalities in Gaza
- PRCS run Al-Quds hospital in Gaza city has cared for 1,169 injured people
- PRCS run Al-Amal hospital in Khan Younis has cared for 946 injured people
- PRCS have provided emotional support to 20,000 people
-
In the West Bank:
The PRCS has now provided emergency medical care to more than 2,648 injured people.
Fabrizio Carboni, ICRC regional director for the Near and Middle East said:
“We are extremely concerned about the rising levels of violence in the West Bank.
"Stronger efforts are needed to ensure that these cycles of violence do not continue and that populations and their properties are respected and protected at all times. The sharp increase in number of arrests is also of high concern for the ICRC.”
International Committee of the Red Cross:
Immediately dispatched a truck of medical supplies (stretchers, beds, body bags) to a hospital in Gaza. In total, there are over 300 full time ICRC staff working in its Israel and Occupied Territories delegation. 130 are based in Gaza.
On 27 October a war surgery team and a weapons contamination specialist were among 10 ICRC experts that arrived in Gaza alongside six ICRC trucks carrying medical material and water purification supplies. The team increases support to hospitals, trauma surgery, clean water provision, and family reunification of hostages. This small dose of relief is not enough, much more is needed.
What does the Red Cross Red Crescent think should happen?
The ICRC is calling for the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza and to conduct humanitarian visits so those taken can relate to their loved ones. The ICRC has stated publicly and clearly that the taking of hostages is prohibited under international humanitarian law.
The Movement is seeking immediate access to Gaza for relief supplies for the communities that are suffering without food, water and electricity. We need an urgent and long-term humanitarian response to address the escalating need.
If you are able to please consider donating to our British Red Cross emergency appeal.
Why can't I just send medical supplies, food, or clothing to the region?
While well-intentioned, donations of food, clothing, and other items are not currently the best or quickest way to help people in need. There are huge costs involved in shipping these items, so local purchases of food and clothing are more effective, and cash transfers to the region provide flexibility to our colleagues on the ground.
The best and quickest way to help people affected is by donating to our Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory Appeal.
How to help people in Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel
The best and quickest way to help people affected is by donating to our Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory Appeal.
Donations made to the Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory Appeal will help our teams on the ground respond to changing events and provide life-saving emergency humanitarian aid and medical operations in the region.
DONATE to the Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory Appeal
Why has the British Red Cross launched an appeal?
We launched an appeal to help those affected by the violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The impact of this violence is affecting communities in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories of Gaza Strip and the West Bank and people are in desperate need of our help.
In Israel, people have been killed, injured and taken hostage. In Gaza, a humanitarian crisis is growing as restrictions along with mass displacement, are causing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
As a humanitarian organisation, the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement has staff and volunteers working around the clock in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory – often putting themselves in dangerous situations – to help people who need it the most.
Why can't I send food, clothing and medical supplies to the region?
While well-intentioned, donations of food, clothing, and other items are not currently the best or quickest way to help people in need. There are huge costs involved in shipping these items, so local purchases of food and clothing are more effective, and cash transfers to the region provide flexibility to our colleagues on the ground.
The best and quickest way to help people affected is by donating to our Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory Appeal.
What has the role of the Red Cross been in Israel and the Occupied Territory in recent times?
The ICRC has been present in Israel and the occupied territories since 1967. As a neutral, independent humanitarian organisation, it promotes compliance with international humanitarian law and works to lessen the impact of violence, conflict and occupation on civilians.
The ICRC visits detainees in Israeli and Palestinian places of detention and works to maintain family links through the Family Visit Programme. They also support livelihood projects throughout the Occupied Territory and help improve access to essential services like water and electricity in Gaza.
They stand up for people impacted by conflict and promote their rights and dignity, and consistently remind parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law though dialogue.
Magen David Adom offers a variety of support across Israel through ambulance services, providing medical equipment and first aid training. It also provides a blood service to Israelis, distributing over 300,000 units of blood via blood bags that cost over £3,500,000 every year.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society offers support through emergency medical services, disaster management, as well as mental health and psychosocial support.
It was also the first Palestinian organisation in both Palestine and the diaspora to embody and adopt the concept of volunteering.
Are you working with governments?
We don’t work for governments, but we do work with them, where necessary to achieve strictly humanitarian aims.
Governed by our principles of neutrality and impartiality, we respond to humanitarian need no matter what the cause of the crisis.
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies consists of National Societies in 192 countries around the world and members include the Palestine Red Crescent Society and the Magen David Adom.
All national societies are independent of government and respond to crises based on humanitarian need alone.
We are deeply concerned about the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory and send our heartfelt wishes of solidarity to those personally affected by the events, and to our partner organisations on the ground.
Have you been affected by the situation in Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory?
We have also created an advice page if you're currently in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
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