What is happening in Gaza: Latest News

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and continues to worsen day by day.

The UN estimates that 1.9 million people – 9 out of every 10 people – have been forcibly displaced within Gaza, many of whom have been already forced to move multiple times in search of safety.

There is a shortage of food, drinking water, sanitation, medicines, and safety. Coupled with constant stress and fear, and taking into account injuries, age, and disabilities, many residents are in a weakened state and at elevated risk of dying from hunger, common infections or diseases.

The risk of famine increases by the day.

Food insecurity remains extremely concerning with nearly 750,000 people in Gaza experiencing extreme hunger. Day after day, parents try and find food, but return empty-handed. There’s no option but to watch as their children become increasingly weak and vulnerable to malnutrition and dehydration.

Are any hospitals open in Gaza?

There is no longer a complete and functioning health system in Gaza, where, from start to finish, medical needs can be met. Frequent evacuation orders and relentless hostilities continue to further devastate the health system, making it increasingly difficult for repeatedly displaced populations to access essential healthcare services. According to WHO, only 13 out of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are functional in some capacity. 

What is the Irish Red Cross response?

Irish Red Cross is providing funding to support our partners in the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement – primarily the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) – to respond to urgent humanitarian needs and to provide lifesaving assistance and other essential services. When needed, assistance will be provided to people directly affected by the crisis in the region and in Ireland. 

To date, Irish Red Cross has contributed over €600,000 to assist the PRCS in providing lifesaving assistance across Gaza such as the delivery of food, shelter, women’s dignity kits, as well as health services and psychosocial support.

With nearly 800 staff and more than 450 volunteers in the Gaza Strip, the PRCS has reached over 1.8 million people.  

In the Gaza Strip, Red Crescent teams have so far*:

• Provided medical treatment to more than 50,100 casualties
• Set up 17 camps for displaced people, sheltering 1,336 families
• Helped more than 1 million people access clean water
• Provided psychosocial support to 94,000 traumatised people

*Last updated July 2024

What can you do?

Your support has never been more needed. Please donate now to provide urgent food, shelter, water and medical care.