Ambulance workers from the Israeli National Society, the Magen David Adom (MDA), evacuating the wounded after an attack in Jerusalem – The MDA is the only National Society to use an emblem – the red shield of David – other than those provided for by the Geneva Conventions. In the past this prevented it from being officially recognized as a member of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The adoption of the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions (recognition of an additional emblem, the red crystal) offered an opportunity to remedy this situation. It provides for the possibility of inserting, at the centre of the additional emblem – when displayed for indicative purposes – a sign that is in use and has been duly notified to the ICRC and to Swizerland, the depository State of the Geneva Conventions.

In June 2006, further to the adoption by the 29th International Conference of amendments to the Movement Statutes, the ICRC was able to recognize the the Magen David Adom. Thanks to the same resolution, the Palestine Red Crescent Society was also recognized by the ICRC.