The British Red Cross has warned that Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies are “on high alert across the Middle East following the recent escalation of hostilities”.

The update has been delivered following the US and Israel’s attack on Iran, which has sparked conflict across the region, most notably in Lebanon this week.

"Our colleagues are doing everything they can, with the resources available to them, to reach people in urgent need," said British Red Cross Middle East country cluster manager Gabriel Karlsson.

“From Tehran and Baghdad to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Beirut, Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are saving lives minute by minute, working under immense pressure but with unwavering commitment."

She added: "[Our teams'] ability to access these areas depends on the protection afforded by the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems, which must be respected at all times.”
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"How we respond in times like this is vital but being prepared for crises of this scale is the reason why we're able to help as many people as we are now.

“Our first responders, emergency teams and ambulance crews are ready from day one. As a humanitarian organisation with more than 150 years of experience responding to conflict, natural disasters or health crises, preparedness is at the core of who we are."

“But to do this safely, we need all parties to the conflict to respect the rules of war and international humanitarian law.

“Only with that protection can our staff and volunteers operate safely and reach people whose lives depend on us.”

Another charity working in the region, Save the Children UK, is particularly concerned about the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, where the Israeli government has ordered 500,000 residents to leave southern Beirut ahead of a bombing campaign in the area.

It says that this could result in "a humanitarian catastrophe".

Ahmad Alhendawi, the charity's Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe regional director, said: "Forced displacement strips children of almost everything that keeps them safe: shelter, education, community and routine. In their place come fear and the risk of violence, abuse and exploitation.

"A forced relocation without any guarantees of safety or return and without providing for the needs of the population would amount to a grave breach of international humanitarian law."

He added: "We urge world leaders to take immediate action to prevent a full-scale attack on a densely populated city. Every diplomatic lever must be pulled to prevent a mass killing of children.

"We failed to protect the children of Gaza. We cannot fail the children of Lebanon. No child should ever have to pay the price for a conflict they did not create."

Charity regulator guidance

Meanwhile, the Charity Commission has issued guidance to charities amid the conflict, that it will “respond robustly to evidence of links between charities and extremism and terrorism”.

Charities are being urged to ensure that any political activity, particular through events or on social media, is to support their charitable objectives.

“Some charities will be considering responding publicly to recent events and wider regional context,” said the regulator.

“At times of heightened international tension, the need for care when planning activity becomes even more acute, and trustees need to consider the context of their activities carefully.

“The nature of the political framework in Iran also presents additional considerations in how statements and activities may be perceived.”

The Charity Commission also reminds charities that “a number of individuals and groups in Iran are sanctioned and consequently subject to restrictions” and that it will refer to police and other agencies any evidence of criminality.

Trustees are also reminded they are responsible for protecting staff, volunteers and beneficiaries in areas of conflict from harm. Faith communities can apply to the Home Office for protective security grants, adds the regulator.

Further advice for charities operating in the Middle East was issued last July.

This includes advising charities that they need to operate “within UK law and, when operating abroad, you have to understand and comply with local law. Make sure you understand the consequences of breaking these. Make sure that anyone operating in these areas is fully informed.”

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