Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence.
In collaboration with our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world, we do everything we can to deliver life-saving aid, reconnect families and locate missing people – helping those who need it most, regardless of who they are and what side of the front line they are on.
We engage with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, pressing for access to detainees to improve their living conditions and urging compliance with international humanitarian law to protect non-combatants, including from digital threats.
Since the onset of the conflict, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has rapidly deteriorated. The ICRC has relocated its activities to the South, with a particular focus on health facilities through the ICRC health program. A rapid MHPSS assessment indicated a significant need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) among adults, children, and families.
In response, the ICRC launched the "MHPSS for People Affected by Violence Accessing Health Facilities" (MHPSS for PAV accessing HF) program in 2024. This initiative aims to provide essential MHPSS services to patients in health facilities and Community Mental Health Center across the Middle Area and southern Gaza, complementing and supporting existing medical care.
Additionally, the ICRC MHPSS program develops activities to support people with physical disabilities (ALPC and Al- Almal Hospital PRC) and provides self-care support (“Helping the Helpers”) for Ministry of Health staff working in ICRC-supported health facilities.