German Red Cross Demands Increased Aid Delivery to Gaza Amid Crisis
In the face of the dire situation of the civilian population in Gaza, the German Red Cross (GRC) is urging the Israeli government to allow a greater influx of humanitarian aid into the region. “It is long overdue that a sufficient amount of humanitarian aid reaches Gaza and a need-based distribution is ensured – and this must be done on a permanent and secure basis, with access to people in need” said GRC President Gerda Hasselfeldt in an interview with the Rheinische Post.
Hasselfeldt criticized the current situation in Gaza, stating that “there are no safe areas and the supply of food and medicine is absolutely inadequate.” The already catastrophic situation has “even further deteriorated over the past few weeks” according to the GRC President. The organization has already organized several aid transports to Gaza and is working to maintain the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah by providing medical supplies and health personnel.
Furthermore, Hasselfeldt emphasized the need for better protection of aid workers, citing the tragic loss of 30 Palestinian Red Crescent employees who have lost their lives in the line of duty. “Rescuers often have to put themselves in harm’s way to help others” Hasselfeldt lamented, highlighting the urgent need for the safety of those who are working to alleviate the crisis in Gaza.