The President of IFRC Concludes His Visit to the oPt

Ramallah- Tadateru Konoé, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and his accompanying delegation concluded on the 19th of February 2013 a visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territory with a visit to PRCS/Jerusalem.

Mr. Konoé‎ discussed with Dr. Younis Al Khatib, PRCS President, as well as with other PRCS’ officials means to enhance cooperation between the Palestinian Society and IFRC in various fields.

The delegation also toured PRCS headquarters in Al Bireh and was briefed on its key future plans as well as on services and programs offered by the Society’s Departments.

At a reception held at PRCS Headquarters, Dr. Al Khatib warmly welcomed his guests and touched on main PRCS’ services and programs. “Our aim is not limited to providing life-saving services during recurrent man-made and occupation-made crises. It is also to help build resilience and to help all communities cope with the situation. The overall and continuous challenge we face in this regard is the occupation. However, we can overcome this challenge by trusting in our capacity to work in cooperation with our friends and partners in the International Movement”, he said. Dr. Al Khatib also touched on the thorny issue of Palestinian refugees, mainly in Syria, who are suffering because of the ongoing conflict. He recalled the Appeal launched by IFRC in January which called for a humanitarian response focused on enhancing aid to PRCS and assisting refugees.

Mr. Konoé‎ lauded the distinct services provided by PRCS and the efficiency of its staff. “You are a source of inspiration for us all when it comes to courage, efficiency and devotion. You are extremely efficient first-responders in your communities. You are leading efforts to build peace based on humanitarian values which maintain our hope for a future of development and prosperity”, he said.

During his visit to Ramallah, Mr. Konoé‎ met with Prime Minister Fayyad who briefed him on the latest political developments in Palestine as well as on Israeli violations against our people which are intrinsically against international legitimacy resolutions and the rules of International law. Fayyad lauded the role played by Red Cross and Red Crescent missions in allaying the suffering and pain of humans and in safeguarding their dignity throughout the world. He praised the work done by Red Cross/Crescent volunteers and their devotion to the Palestinian cause and to serving and providing relief aid to Palestinians.

PM Fayyad also talked about Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and detention centers. He underlined the serious and deteriorating health conditions of hunger strikers Samer Al Issawi, Ayman Al Sharawneh, Ja’afar Izzidine and Tareq Ka’adan. He held the Israeli government fully responsible for their lives, especially that some of them have been on hunger strike for more than 200 days.

Mr. Konoé‎ and his accompanying delegation also visited PRCS/Hebron and its hospital where they met with branch officials, were briefed on key medical services provided to Palestinians and toured PRCS’ rehabilitation center for disabled persons in the city. Moreover, the delegation visited the Old City of Hebron and saw the tragic conditions witnessed by Palestinians there due to occupation measures and settler practices. Occupation forces stationed at the entrance to Al Ibrahimi Mosque prevented the delegation from entering the Mosque.

In Bethlehem, Mr. Konoé‎ visited the Church of Nativity and met with officials from PRCS/Bethlehem.