The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced on October 1, that it has temporarily suspended operations in Gaza City, citing rapidly intensifying hostilities in the northern enclave. Staff have been relocated to ICRC offices in southern Gaza, including Deir al-Balah and Rafah, which remain operational.
According to the ICRC, the suspension is a measure to ensure staff safety and maintain minimum operational continuity. Despite the halt in Gaza City, the ICRC says it will continue to support civilians from its southern offices whenever conditions permit. That includes delivering medical donations to remaining health facilities in Gaza City, facilitating first responder movement, and operating a field hospital in Rafah.
The organisation stresses that tens of thousands of civilians still in Gaza City are facing dire humanitarian conditions, including deaths, forced displacement, and severely constrained mobility and access to aid. First responders—such as the Palestine Red Crescent Society and Civil Defence—continue relief work, but say their ability to reach people in need safely has been significantly hampered by the escalation.
The ICRC’s statement also includes an urgent appeal for a ceasefire, emphasizing that civilians must be protected whether they stay in Gaza City or flee. They call for medical personnel, civil defence workers, rescue missions and medical facilities to be respected under international humanitarian law. They also underline the need for “rapid and unimpeded” humanitarian access across Gaza.
