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Geneva, 18 March 2025: Paramedics and emergency medical teams from Palestine Red Crescent have been responding in Gaza after airstrikes overnight.
Medical facilities across the Gaza Strip are overwhelmed - the recent bombardments are compounding a desperate situation.
As of 7am today in Gaza, Palestine Red Crescent teams have responded to 149 fatalities and 179 injuries. Women and children were among the casualties. Areas around Gaza City, Rafah and Khan Younis have been the hardest hit.
The last 16 months have already left Gaza’s health service severely damaged. No humanitarian aid has entered Gaza for 17 days - this includes medical supplies, medicines and fuel. Without these vital supplies, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the Palestine Red Crescent to provide life-saving treatment and run its ambulance service. Of its fleet of 53 ambulances, only 23 are now operating because there is not enough gasoline.
There have also been no food, water, blankets, clothing, tents and other critical aid supplies entering Gaza since the border crossings closed on 2 March. Hostilities must end - with renewed violence comes greater danger and suffering, making survival even more difficult for the people of Gaza.
The IFRC takes no side other than the side of humanity. We reiterate our calls for:
Protection of civilians, humanitarians, and healthcare workers and facilities. The Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal emblems must be respected and protected, and all parties must ensure the safety of those providing humanitarian aid.
Safe and unhindered access for aid and essential services everywhere in the Gaza Strip.
The opening of all available border crossings to ensure a continuous and expanded flow of humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and food, and fuel into Gaza.
The immediate and unconditional release all hostages.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact: media@ifrc.org
In Beirut:
Mey Al Sayegh: +961 761 744 68
In London:
Nichola Jones: +44 771 545 99 56
In Geneva:
Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67