Deeply concerned after Sunday’s incident, when the Ocean Viking humanitarian ship was struck by multiple gunshots. Thankfully, no individuals were physically harmed. However, this serious event has jeopardized the safety and well-being of both our humanitarian personnel and the rescued individuals on board. Today, humanitarian workers operate in increasingly perilous environments, often putting their own lives at risk to save others. Their mission must be respected and protected at all times. The Ocean Viking has long been a beacon of hope in a vast, unforgiving sea. Humanitarian operations must always be protected.

I want to express my gratitude to both the Iranian Red Crescent @Iran_RCS and Magen David Adom @Mdais for their tireless humanitarian work in the midst of highly concerning hostilities in the Middle East and under extremely difficult and worsening circumstances. I call on all parties involved to exercise the utmost restraint. The safety and protection of civilians must be ensured.

The IFRC has reached a major milestone in disaster risk financing. For the first time, an insurance payout has been triggered by @IFRC_DREF, as demands for disaster relief surpassed its ‘deductible’ threshold. The IFRC-DREF is a vital fund that provides immediate funding for our member Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies when disasters strike, especially for forgotten emergencies that do not attract global attention. The IFRC has plans to grow its IFRC-DREF insurance, to widen coverage beyond disasters caused by natural hazards. The @IFRC_DREF offers an attractive proposition to the donors to multiply their contributions in particularly calamitous years. bit.ly/4eh43Sl