PRCS Chief Highlights Israeli Violations Against Relief Teams in Gaza.

AL-BIREH: The head of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Younis Al-Khatib, reported today that the society's crews and relief teams in the Gaza Strip are encountering unprecedented breaches of international humanitarian law by the Israeli occupation. His comments were made during a conference at the PRCS headquarters in Al-Bireh, attended by Jagan Chapagain, the Secretary-General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Al-Khatib emphasized that these violations severely impede humanitarian response efforts, effectively nullifying the role of the international community and international humanitarian law in safeguarding civilians and humanitarian workers. He urged for a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid flow, and enhanced safe access, enabling PRCS crews to deliver aid effectively to those in need in the Gaza Strip. Chapagain underscored the critical role of PRCS in delivering humanitarian ser vices to affected individuals in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, noting that the growing humanitarian needs demand collective international efforts to maintain citizens' dignity. He called on the international community to pursue sustainable political solutions to alleviate the suffering of Gaza's population. The conference also included a commemoration on International Volunteer Day, observed on December 5, with the theme "Let's protect humanity." This event is part of a global campaign by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies advocating for the protection of humanitarian workers. PRCS volunteers held candles and placed 21 robes with the Red Crescent logo on the ground, honoring the Society's workers (19 in Gaza and two in the West Bank) killed by the Israeli occupation since October 7, 2023. Chapagain praised the dedication of Red Crescent and Red Cross volunteers worldwide, particularly in Gaza, where PRCS volunteers are making significant sacrifices for humanitarian causes. He asserted the essential need for their protection to continue providing life-saving services, stating it is unacceptable for volunteers to risk their lives while attempting to save others.