Ramallah, 9 November 2021 (TDI): Palestinian Foreign Minister Dr. Al-Malki and the President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Francesco Rocca, signed an agreement to open an office in the country.
Moreover, Dr. Rocca stated that the IFRC is very pleased with the signature of the status agreement with the Palestinian authorities. He expressed the organization’s commitment to humanitarian action in order to reach more vulnerable people.
In addition to Mr. Rocca, the IFRC delegation comprises Dr. Hossam Elsharkawi, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Mr. Faisal Mahboob, IFRC Representative in Palestine.
Delegation members will also survey emergency services and humanitarian assistance. As well, its efforts to allay the suffering of Palestinians during the pandemic via its health services, assistance, relief aid, and community awareness campaigns.
In Ramallah, the delegation visited the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) School for the Hearing-Impaired. A briefing was provided on the School’s mission, goals, and the curriculum it teaches. The organization gave gifts to students who have successfully passed their Secondary Education Certificate Examination.
Humanitarian needs and the role of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies
The State of Palestine is affected by a crisis and suffers from chronic humanitarian concerns. According to UNICEF, currently, 2.5 million people, including 1.2 million children, need humanitarian assistance. The people living in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are the most affected.
The situation has deteriorated recently with the rise of tension in East Jerusalem, the escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip in May 2021, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Compounding the situation is the deepening financial crisis of the country and UNRWA, political divisions, and protracted political conflict.
Humanitarian access for supplies into the Gaza Strip remains a concern, with significantly decreased material availability in the local market. In the Gaza Strip, limitations are still in place on supplies necessary for critical reconstruction, and basic livelihoods and services.
In this context, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are in partnership with the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). The PRCS is a full member of the IFRC, and therefore protects the health and welfare of the Palestinian people and others in need in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the Diaspora.
Arantza Renteria is a Peruvian third-year student of International Relations with a specialization in cooperation and development.
Her work experience mostly covers Middle Eastern affairs. Her area of expertise is the Levant. Among these countries, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
She has worked in intercultural governmental and non-governmental work environments, including the Embassy of Palestine in Lima.
Currently, she leads the Middle East and Gulf Research Desk at The Diplomatic Insight.
