Calling the rising toll on lives in the Israel-Gaza conflict “heart-wrenching”, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has issued a call for donations from the public towards humanitarian aid to the region.

Over 1 million people have been displaced since the conflict began on October 7, and the number of dead is estimated at 4,200. News agencies have also reported some 10,000 injured, two-thirds of whom are children.

The SRC’s pledge of US$150,000 (S$205,000) will be channeled towards both Israel and Gaza through its partners in the area, namely the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and Magen David Adom in Israel (MDA). Both of these are members of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

In the Palestinian Territories, the PRCS’s emergency ambulances have been operating at full capacity, transporting casualties to hospitals. The injured are tended to with emergency medical care, while displaced families are provided with mattresses, blankets, kitchen kits, water, dignity kits and shelter, as much as the security situation allows.

MDA has deployed medical teams with ambulances and intensive care units and ramped up blood donation drives. Facilitating evacuation operations is its fleet of helicopters conveying civilian casualties to hospitals in the south.

Logistical difficulties

While the inflow of funds is integral to the relief effort, the logistical problem of transporting aid to the areas most in need remains unsolved as at press time.

“The situation is very challenging,” Benjamin William, Secretary General/CEO of the Singapore Red Cross, told Salt&Light in a phone interview. “On the ground the movement is not so straightforward.”

The Rafah crossing with Egypt – the only one in Gaza not controlled by Israel – remains closed, keeping aid stuck at the border. 

Reuters reported on Tuesday (October 17) that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had negotiated a plan for getting aid into Gaza, but “the time frame for any deliveries remained unclear”.

Relief agencies continue to monitor the situation closely for windows of opportunity in which to act, William shared. However, they remain mindful of the marked escalation in violence further exacerbated by yesterday’s strike on the Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza City.

It affected not only patients and healthcare workers, but also families seeking shelter.

Meanwhile, thousands of civilian Gazans hoping to flee the war continue to be at an impasse as they amass at Rafah. 

Here’s how you can help 

Announcing the Singapore Government’s contribution of S$300,000 through the SRC channel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement earlier this week acknowledging the “repeated cycles of violence over many decades” and urged “all parties to abide by international humanitarian law and allow for the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip”.

SRC’s own statement quoted William as saying: “In line with universally accepted International Humanitarian Law, we strongly urge for the protection of non-combatants and critical infrastructure such as medical facilities, water and power systems, so that humanitarian actors, including the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement will be able to have access to civilians needing help.” 

The SRC’s appeal, which began on Monday (October 16), is slated to end on January 31, 2024. Online donations are being received via giving.sg. Members of the public can click here to give.

PayNow transactions should be made to UEN “S86CC0370ERF1”. Input “Middle East Crisis” under “bill reference”.

Cheque donations can be made payable to Singapore Red Cross Society, and posted to Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486. Please leave your name, postal address, and indicate “Middle East Crisis” on the back. 

The SRC is also still accepting donations for relief efforts in other countries.

Following the four magnitude 6.3 earthquakes that hit Afghanistan earlier this month, the first two on October 7 and two others on October 11 and 15, day-to-day food and shelter are the immediate needs on the ground. The SRC has already contributed US$50,000 towards the relief of those affected by the quakes. Contributions are still being accepted, click here.

The magnitude 6.8 earthquake that hit Morocco in September was said to be the most powerful earthquake in more than a century, leaving 820 people dead, more than 600 injured and causing widespread damage to Marrakech and its surroundings. Search and rescue efforts continue. To contribute via SRC to the Moroccan Red Crescent’s efforts, click here.

In Ukraine many of the people who have been displaced have returned to parts of the country not directly affected by the conflict. The primary needs are medical and hospital supplies. Donation enquiries may be made to [email protected]. 

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