KSrelief chief urges stronger response to Middle East crises
Saudi Gazette report
BRUSSELS — The Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, praised international recognition of Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in addressing humanitarian crises, particularly its efforts in lifting sanctions on Syria — actions that helped pave the way for improved humanitarian access and a positive response from the United States.
Dr. Al-Rabeeah made the remarks on Wednesday during his participation in the European Humanitarian Forum 2025 in Brussels, speaking at a seminar titled 'Crises in the Middle East: The Challenge of Protecting Lives and Respecting International Humanitarian Law.'
In his address, he expressed appreciation for the European Commission's focus on global humanitarian crises, especially in the Middle East, where conflicts have created immense suffering.
He cited figures from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), noting that over 65 million people in the region currently need humanitarian assistance, with less than 30% of response plans funded.
He emphasized that the Middle East faces one of the world's worst displacement crises, with more than 28 million people forcibly displaced.
Al-Rabeeah pointed to countries such as Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Lebanon, and Palestine as the epicenters of escalating humanitarian emergencies fueled by violence and instability.
'These crises are robbing children of their futures and leading to the premature deaths of thousands,' he said, stressing the urgent global needs related to food security, water and sanitation, healthcare, shelter, and education.
He also highlighted operational challenges, including threats to humanitarian workers, misinformation in needs assessments, and the destruction or looting of relief supplies.
Al-Rabeeah reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles, stating, 'Our mission is to extend help without discrimination, and to continue playing a leading role in promoting humanitarian action globally.'
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