Palestine Red Crescent Society Holds the 2025 Humanitarian Partnership Meeting

Al-Bireh, November 10, 2025: Today, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) held the Humanitarian Partnership Meeting at its headquarters in the city of Al-Bireh under the theme: “Trust and Local Action.” The meeting brought together international delegations from PRCS partner National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, alongside delegations from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in addition to representatives from the international humanitarian system. Several delegations also joined the meeting virtually.

PRCS President Dr. Younis Al-Khatib welcomed the participants, stressing that the meeting is being held at an exceptional time marked by an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe and deep suffering in the Gaza Strip, alongside escalating violence and instability in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem. He emphasized PRCS’ commitment to its humanitarian mission despite all challenges and risks, calling for strengthened humanitarian action, protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, and respect for international humanitarian law.

Dr. Al-Khatib noted that the meeting represents a strategic platform to reinforce trust and cooperation among humanitarian partners, and to reaffirm the leading role of local communities in humanitarian action in Palestine. He highlighted that PRCS continues to perform its humanitarian duties despite all obstacles, guided by the principles of humanity, impartiality, and independence.

In the same context, Dr. Al-Khatib called on the international community to assume its humanitarian and legal responsibilities toward the Palestinian people, urging all parties to exert serious pressure to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and accountability for grave violations. He also called for full protection of civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory, medical personnel, volunteers, and health facilities, as well as ensuring the rapid, sustainable, and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, and allowing PRCS to receive aid directly and rotate its teams between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. He further stressed that the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the West Bank must not be overlooked, noting that sustained international solidarity and support are essential to preserving the lives and dignity of Palestinians.

In his remarks, Dr. Omar Awadallah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine, expressed his deep appreciation for PRCS’ efforts, praising its humanitarian role and describing it as “the humanitarian conscience of our people and the voice of their suffering amid ongoing destruction and aggression.”

He added: “We meet today at an extremely difficult time, particularly given the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. This requires us all to remind the world that international humanitarian law is not a political choice; it is a legal and moral obligation that must be applied and respected without exception, at all times and in all places.”

Speakers from the IFRC, including Mr. Javier Castellanos, the Under Secretary General,(virtually), and the Secretary-General of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO) Mr. Abdullah Al-Muhaidlai (virtually), expressed their solidarity with the Palestinian people and their support for PRCS’ efforts in health, relief, and shelter. They emphasized the importance of strengthening humanitarian action across both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

They also commended the heroic humanitarian role and sacrifices of PRCS teams, noting their continued service despite extremely difficult circumstances, and called for ensuring protection of humanitarian workers in the field and respect for the principles of international humanitarian law.

The sessions of the meeting, moderated by Mr. Maher Al-Dawoudi, included a comprehensive overview of the humanitarian situation in Palestine from the perspective of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and international organizations, with participation from speakers representing the World Health Organization (WHO), the ICRC, donors, and other international humanitarian organizations.

The meeting also included a closed session for Movement components to discuss shared vision, lessons learned, and planning for the next phase, alongside thematic dialogue sessions focused on key issues such as humanitarian diplomacy, resource mobilization, and field coordination, with participation from many PRCS Movement partners.

The meeting concluded with a dedicated session to draw practical recommendations to support humanitarian and relief efforts, to address current and future humanitarian needs in Palestine, with particular focus on the Gaza Strip during the post-war recovery phase.

This gathering reflected the commitment of Movement components and partners to joint action in support of Palestinian resilience and in strengthening locally led humanitarian action based on trust, solidarity, and effective field engagement.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the next two days will include field visits to the cities of Nablus and Hebron to observe the humanitarian situation and PRCS field operations.