PRCS President Warns of "Desperate Situation" in Gaza and West Bank, During Norway Visit

Dr. Younis Al-Khatib, President of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), confirmed during his official visit to Norway that the humanitarian need in the Gaza Strip is no less urgent and desperate now than it was before the ceasefire. Dr. Al-Khatib warned that citizens in Gaza, are suffering from severe psychological trauma and despair, stressing that "rebuilding people is harder than rebuilding destroyed houses." 

Dr. Al-Khatib’s statements came during a series of high-level meetings held in Oslo on Monday and Tuesday, hosted by the Norwegian Red Cross (NoRC). Attendees included Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, members of the Norwegian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, in addition to a private meeting with the Royal Family. 

Psychological Trauma is a Priority: 

The PRCS President also explained that the need for aid in Gaza is "enormous," noting that the population is "psychologically traumatized and will require long-term psychological support." He also drew attention to the fact that "the situation in the West Bank is also becoming more critical, with increasing Israeli attacks and insecurity." 

For her part, Berit Reiss-Andersen, Secretary General of the Norwegian Red Cross, expressed her deep emotion regarding Dr. Al-Khatib’s account, confirming that "the needs are massive." Reiss-Andersen stressed that the most important message from these meetings is to affirm that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is "critical and desperate," resulting from deliberate and systematic violations of International Humanitarian Law. 

Postponing Reconstruction Discussions Until Full Access for Aid: 

Both parties agreed that it is too early to discuss the reconstruction of Gaza before achieving a complete ceasefire and ensuring full and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid and relief. Reiss-Andersen emphasized the necessity for any future reconstruction process to focus primarily on rebuilding the population psychologically affected by the war, not just on buildings and infrastructure. 

It is worth noting that the Palestine Red Crescent Society, the largest provider of ambulance services in the Gaza, continues to operate under extremely difficult circumstances, with four of its hospitals severely damaged, and only 21 out of its 58 ambulances remaining operational despite a critical fuel shortage.