The Irish Red Cross today launched a Gaza Crisis Appeal in response to humanitarian needs arising from ongoing hostilities which have claimed more than 41 lives and injured a further estimated 379.

Red Cross and Red Crescent partners have been providing emergency assistance in the Gaza Strip in response to medical needs following airstrikes in Gaza and rockets launched from Gaza towards Israel, evacuating and treating the wounded and assisting in the provision of much needed medical supplies.

Colm Byrne, Irish Red Cross Spokesperson, said, “The Palestine Red Crescent are reporting that the continuous bombing was making it difficult to reach families that have lost their homes. A hospital and an emergency medical service station have been damaged due to bombing of the area.”

The Red Cross and Red Crescent will continue to assess the situation and to assist vulnerable people with emergency relief and medical assistance.

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Notes to editor:

• Spokesperson available: Colm Byrne, Irish Red Cross  Head of International is available for interview.

• To arrange an interview/for more information please contact: Rebecca Dunne, 087 743 3275

• The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has a unique mandate to provide humanitarian assistance during conflict and is supported by national societies such as the Irish Red Cross.