site.btaBulgarian Red Cross Joins International Red Cross and Crescent Federation in Call for Humanity Amid Middle East Conflict

The Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC) is aligned with the stance of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks that led to a major escalation of armed conflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, BRC said in a statement here on Monday.

"Millions of people are desperate for humanitarian assistance," the IFRC statement goes. "In the last two weeks, we’ve seen an alarming escalation of hostilities in Lebanon too. (…) Humanitarians and civilians must be respected and protected. Hostages must come home. Bombs must stop falling. Humanity must prevail," IFRC President Kate Forbes and IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain say in a joint statement.

"The IFRC takes no side other than the side of humanity. We reiterate our calls on all parties to: Protect civilians, humanitarians, and healthcare workers and facilities. The Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal emblems must be respected and protected, and all parties must ensure the safety of those providing humanitarian aid."

"Tragically, many have paid the ultimate price in their service to humanity: 27 staff and volunteers have been killed on duty during this crisis, six from Magen David Adom in Israel and 21 from the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Gaza and the West Bank."

"Today, we honour their memory and express our solidarity with all victims of the conflict. We mourn these tragic losses, and we remain deeply concerned that this conflict continues to escalate, causing more humanitarian suffering throughout the region,” the statement concluded.