Phase 1

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Contribution to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in support of the humanitarian programme of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS)

Project completed
Switzerland’s single phase contribution to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) aims to facilitate, coordinate and support the humanitarian activities of its member organization, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in the oPt. This contribution provides support to the humanitarian programme of the PRCS and therewith increases effective humanitarian assistance to those most in need.

Country/region	Topic	Period	Budget
Occupied Palestinian Territory	Emergency Relief and Protection Disaster Risk Reduction Protection, access & security	15.10.2022 - 31.12.2024	CHF 1’250’000

The project in brief

Background	The humanitarian situation in the oPt continues to deteriorate in a protracted and multi-layerered protection crisis. This is driven by the direct consequences of the prolonged Israeli military oc-cupation, the ongoing intra-Palestinian divide since 2007, the closure of the Gaza Strip, the recurrent armed hostilities, includ-ing the latest in May 2021 and August 2022, the lasting impact of COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the increase in house demolitions and settlers’ violence. According to the UN, about 2.1 mio. Palestinian civilians are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance and protection (4 out of 10 Palestinians in the oPt) during 2022. PRCS is the strongest Palestinian humanitarian first responder organization during emergency with wide spread presence across all of the oPt. It is also one of the most active National Societies for IFRC in the MENA region, with hospitals and clinics to serve the most vulnerable people.
Objectives	To provide comprehensive protection and preparedness services to the most vulnerable Palestinian communities in marginalized and targeted areas and to enhance their resilience to shock and stress factors.
Target groups	Direct beneficiaries: Vulnerable population in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Beneficiaries include persons with disabilities, direct victims of natural hazards, survivors of domestic and conflict related violence.
Medium-term outcomes	Affected population by crises, violence (incl. GBV) and disasters has access to timely, adequate and flexible life-saving assistance Humanitarian prevention services and protection responses are maintained in hard-to-reach areas such as Area C, while strengthening the resilience of communities PRCS’s capacities and coping mechanisms are enhanced for local humanitarian action through IFRC effective support
Results	Expected results: PRCS responds effectively to the wide spectrum of evolving crises, violence (incl. GBV) and disasters, including in disaster risk management PRCS enhances its coordination and collaboration with national and sub-national actors, civil society, civil protection mechanisms, the private sector, reference centres and research institutions At-risk communities share and receive actionable protection information and are supported to take active steps to reduce their vulnerability and exposure to hazards Communities prepare for timely and effective mitigation, response, and recovery to crises, violence and disasters, including early action PRCS delivers evidence-based and impact-driven, effective, appropriate health promotion, disease prevention, and community-based care activities, focusing on the most vulnerable population PRCS enhances its preparedeness capacities, expand its reach out, quality, and modalities of its services, including training of volunteers, staff, and the public across the oPt IFRC’s global network is strengthened with PRCS’s ability to co-design local action via Communities of Practice, to be supported by a global virtual platform
Directorate/federal office responsible	SDC
Project partners	Contract partner International or foreign NGO International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Coordination with other projects and actors	7F-10270.01.01 WHO Gaza Trauma care 7F-06962.46 UNRWA Programme Budget 7F-10109.01 TdH Gaza Protection Program 7F-08661.06 OCHA/oPt Humanitarian Fund 7F-08393 ICRC operations in oPt
Budget	Current phase Swiss budget CHF 1’250’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 1’250’000 Total project since first phase Budget inclusive project partner CHF 1’250’000
Project phases	Phase 1 15.10.2022 - 31.12.2024 (Completed)

Further technical details

Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation	EMERGENCY RESPONSE DISASTER PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation	Material relief assistance and services Disaster prevention and preparedness
Cross-cutting topics	Conflict reduction The project also supports partner organisation improvements
Aid Type	Project and programme contribution
Project number	7F11300