The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) stated on Tuesday that the consignment included essential medical supplies and relief materials. The convoy, which departed from Ankara, the Turkish capital, on Friday, represented one of the earliest cross-border deliveries of medical aid by any organisation since hostilities began following Israeli and US strikes on Iran on February 28.

IFRC spokesperson Tommaso Della Longa told reporters in Geneva that the shipment included trauma kits specifically designed to deliver immediate, life-saving treatment.

He said the organisation plans to send additional trauma kits within the next three weeks.

According to him, the humanitarian supply chain into Iran has been severely affected in recent weeks due to the conflict, making it increasingly difficult and expensive to transport essential medical and relief goods to affected populations.

ICRC sends large relief consignment from Jordan

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the other arm of the Red Cross movement, also confirmed it had delivered a separate cross-border shipment of 171 metric tonnes of essential relief items to Iran on Monday.

The aid was transported through 14 trucks that set off from an ICRC warehouse in Jordan. The shipment included supplies such as blankets, mattresses, jerrycans, kitchen sets, tarpaulins and solar lamps. These items are said to be sufficient to meet the needs of nearly 25,090 people.

Support for relief and rescue operations

In addition to the truck convoy, the ICRC also provided 200 generators and 100 motor pumps. These were purchased locally and donated to the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) to assist in ongoing relief and rescue efforts.

Vincent Cassard, head of the ICRC delegation in Iran, said that humanitarian needs in the country remain high amid the continuing impact of the conflict. He expressed hope that the latest shipment would provide some relief to affected communities.

He further added that the organisation intends to expand its assistance in the coming weeks and continue supporting the humanitarian work of the IRCS.

Concerns over strain on Iranian Red Crescent workers

IFRC spokesperson Tommaso Della Longa also highlighted the severe pressure faced by the Iranian Red Crescent. He noted that four relief workers had lost their lives while performing their duties since the conflict began, describing the situation as unacceptable, as they were engaged in saving lives

Agency inputs