Singapore Red Cross Delivers S$1.2 Million Aid to Palestinian Evacuees

The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has provided S$1.2 million (approximately US$934,295) in humanitarian aid for Palestinian evacuees currently in Egypt. This support includes S$440,000 allocated for tents, alongside a new commitment of S$758,000 aimed at delivering essential medical and educational services to those affected.

The aid package was formally handed over during a ceremony witnessed by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who is on a state visit to Egypt from September 19 to September 22. In a media release issued on September 21, SRC detailed the contents of the aid, which will encompass medical consumables, equipment, and a mobile education unit for the evacuees.

Continued Support for Gaza

To date, the Singapore Red Cross has contributed a total of S$1.9 million in aid for the people of Gaza. This funding has been channeled through the Egyptian Red Crescent and has included a variety of critical supplies such as medical resources, hygiene kits, food provisions, water filtration systems, and food parcels. Additionally, the SRC has provided an extra S$500,000 for relief operations through partners in the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, including the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Benjamin William, Secretary-General and CEO of the SRC, emphasized the importance of the aid package. He stated, “Together with the Egyptian Red Crescent, this tranche of aid represents our unwavering commitment to ensuring that displaced children can continue to learn and that families receive the medical care they urgently need.” He further noted that access to education and healthcare is not only vital but also serves as a lifeline of dignity and hope for those striving to rebuild their lives.

Impact of the Gaza Conflict

The humanitarian situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began following Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. This conflict has reportedly resulted in more than 65,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to health authorities in Gaza. The Singapore Red Cross has also deployed an operations coordinator and an eight-member team to assist the Egyptian Red Crescent with relief operations scheduled for 2024.

The SRC remains committed to continuing its relief efforts, aiming to support displaced communities both within Gaza and in Egypt. As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, the organization underscores the necessity of collaborative efforts to provide essential services and support to those affected by this ongoing conflict.