Iran Red Crescent Society Announces Readiness To Help Gaza Residents

Tehran, Nov 17, IRNA – Islamic Republic of Iran Red Crescent Society (IRICS) announced readiness to offer humanitarian contributions of the Iranian nation to their brethren in need of help in Gaza. According to IRNA, the information website of the IRISC reported that following the new round of attacks launched by the occupier regime of Holy Qods and the deterioration of the security conditions in Gaza, the Islamic Republic of Iran Red Crescent Society forwarded a letter to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) announcing its readiness for forwarding humanitarian medical services and required medicines to Gaza. According to the report, the letter forwarded to the PRCS by the IRICS reads in part, 'The Islamic Republic of Iran Red Crescent Society condemning the Zionist regime atrocities and expressing deep regret over the attacks made against the defenseless women and children of Gaza, announced solidarity with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and its readiness for forwarding any type of medical humanitarian contribution, medical and relief service, medical and hospital facilities, as well as teams of doctors and nurses to Gaza, upon request. In related news, the International Committee of the Red Cross is supplying medicine, disposables, infusions, and dressing materials to hospitals and ambulances in the Gaza Strip, according to the Ma'an News Agency. It has 'started collecting information on houses damaged in Gaza during the operation with a view to distributing in the coming days emergency supplies to the families affected, such as food, kitchen utensils, blankets, hygiene requisites and tents,' a statement says. ICRC says it has been facilitating the entry of 10 trucks of medicines and disposables into Gaza 'which will be available for distribution in the next few days.' Palestinian Authority Health Minister Hani Abdeen said late Thursday that 15 trucks of medical supplies sent from Ramallah were being held up at a Israeli checkpoint. 'We sent the first batch of medications (Thursday) morning and it's now waiting at Israeli checkpoints for permission to pass to Gaza,' Abdeen said. The minister said international organizations had promised to help the PA get Israeli permission to deliver medicine to the Gaza Strip. ICRC expressed concern about civilians affected by the ongoing hostilities. At least 12 civilians are among 24 Palestinians killed in Gaza since Wednesday, and 3 Israeli civilians have been killed. Emergency services spokesman in Gaza Adham Abu Salmiya says 255 Palestinians have been injured, including 100 children, women and elderly. Thirty people are in a serious condition, he says. 'The ICRC is helping the Gazan ministry of health and our partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement take care of the wounded,' said Juan-Pedro Schaerer, who heads the local ICRC delegation. 'Despite difficult security conditions, the Palestine Red Crescent Society and the Magen David Adom in Israel are working round the clock to treat casualties and evacuate them to hospitals,' he added./end