Doha: HE President of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) Yousef bin Ali Al Khater emphasized that the Gaza Strip has been the focal point of QRCS’s humanitarian efforts since the onset of the war, given the dire humanitarian conditions prevailing there. HE Al Khater revealed that QRCS has executed over 50 projects, with a cumulative value exceeding QR 200 million, impacting approximately 1.7 million individuals across vital sectors such as food, shelter, and water.
According to Qatar News Agency, in an exclusive interview, HE Al Khater detailed QRCS’s initiatives in Gaza, which include three major campaigns: the ‘Fidak Palestine’ emergency response appeal, the ‘Gaza Abiyya’ campaign addressing escalating humanitarian challenges, and the ‘Life for Gaza’ campaign that began in July 2025 and is still ongoing. These campaigns are part of QRCS’s broader seasonal initiatives, prioritizing Gaza due to its significant humanitarian needs.
HE Al Khater outlined the challenges faced in delivering aid to Gaza, noting that despite difficult conditions and staff displacements, QRCS’s office in Gaza has continued its operations. The distribution of aid has persisted even during border closures, thanks to collaboration with Qatari authorities and international organizations such as the WHO, WFP, ERC, JHCO, and PRCS.
He elaborated on the logistical strategies employed, including the establishment of an air bridge between Doha and Al-Arish in Egypt for aid transport and patient evacuation. QRCS has also coordinated with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization to facilitate aid delivery into Gaza.
Regarding medical aid, Al Khater highlighted the provision of medicines, medical equipment, and the deployment of specialized medical teams and evacuation efforts. Future projects in Gaza are set to focus on recovery, rehabilitation, and international emergency response unit establishment, accredited by IFRC, ICRC, and WHO.
Discussing broader humanitarian efforts, Al Khater mentioned QRCS’s ‘Syria Rejoice’ campaign, providing advanced medical equipment to Syrian health facilities. Supported by Sidra Medicine and other Qatari entities, 90 tons of medical supplies were sent to Syria in September 2025 to enhance healthcare services.
Al Khater reviewed QRCS’s 2025 projects, including health centers in Bangladesh, livelihood projects in Lebanon, and support for the Cardiovascular Center in Yemen. In Afghanistan, QRCS focused on healthcare infrastructure and livelihood projects, while in Somalia and Sudan, initiatives included medical interventions and economic empowerment projects.
Al Khater emphasized QRCS’s strategic approach to aid distribution, prioritizing urgent needs in disaster-stricken regions, guided by assessments and international appeals. He highlighted QRCS’s global network and partnerships, enabling effective humanitarian responses.
Concluding the interview, HE Al Khater expressed QRCS’s commitment to transforming crisis response into sustainable development through coordinated efforts with international partners, despite global challenges.