The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has raised the alarm about the quickly worsening humanitarian situation in Iran. They say that if the fighting continues, important medical supplies could run out shortly.
The ministry says that the need for emergency medical care is growing at an alarming rate, and trauma kits and other important medical supplies could run out soon. The IFRC is still the sole humanitarian group working in the whole country.
Since the start of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, more than 1,900 people are said to have died and more than 21,000 others are said to have been hurt. Other independent estimates, meanwhile, say that the toll might be much higher.
Maria Martinez, the head of the IFRC delegation in Iran, told Reuters that the crisis had also killed relief workers. She said that three IFRC workers have perished while on duty, one of whom was murdered in an airstrike on March 31 that hit a medical center in Zanjan province. She didn’t say who was to blame for what happened.
“Our main worry is how quickly the humanitarian needs are growing and how hard it is for us to get all the help into the country,” Martinez said, adding that residents are becoming more and more afraid.
Meanwhile, prospects for a speedy end to the crisis are fading after Donald Trump promised to step up military activities, which makes it more likely that things will get worse in the next several days.
About the Author
