Information for people affected by the conflict in Israel
We are aware that some individuals are impersonating the ICRC and asking for personal information from families of the hostages and missing people.
Please note that we are currently not contacting families over the phone to ask for personal information or photos. Also, we do not call families using messaging apps.
We might use telephone calls to set appointments. When we do so, we will identify ourselves and the organization.
If you are in doubt, please contact the ICRC to verify that it is one of our staff members who called you. Call 03 524 5286. From abroad, dial + 972 3 5245286
Please remember that all services provided by humanitarian organizations are free.
Since the beginning of hostilities, in Israel, our teams have been supporting with forensic equipment and needs such as face masks and shields, to assist with these forensic efforts.
We have received many enquiries from people in and outside of Israel desperate to know about the fate of their missing family members.
We understand how devastating it is for the families not to know the fate of loved ones. Within the ICRC’s mandate and capacities, we are ready to do everything we can to help.
We are compiling these enquiries and are speaking with the authorities to try and clarify the fate of the individuals concerned. This can take some time given the volatile situation now. We will be in touch with families directly to keep them informed.
For contact in Hebrew and English, you can reach the ICRC by calling: 03 524 5286.
Our lines are working Sunday to Thursday from 09:00 to 17:00.
Please note that the privacy and confidentiality of the information we receive is of the utmost importance to us. Therefore, the ICRC does not use WhatsApp, or any other online messaging app for its services. Thank you for your understanding.
Can you help me find a family member I have lost contact with?
We are very sorry you don’t have news from your loved one(s). No one should be subjected to this kind of agony.
For contact in Hebrew and English, you can reach the ICRC by calling: 03 524 5286. Our lines are working Sunday to Thursday from 09:00 to 17:00.
If you are concerned about a family member with whom you have lost contact and you live outside Israel, please contact your local National Red Cross/Red Crescent Society or an ICRC office closest to your residence and submit a tracing request. You can find a contact directory here.
Contact information of the Israeli authorities:
Families living in Israel, please approach the dedicated mechanism put in place by the authorities.
The Home Front Command of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) together with Israel Police established a Missing Report Center for people who wish to report missing persons. This center can be reached by calling from inside Israel: *6754 or 077 7703172
Why is it taking so long for you to contact me back and to find my family member?
We apologize for this. We depend on the information that the parties to the conflict share with us and the access they give us to places of detention. We are sorry that we cannot give you answers more quickly. Due to the high volume of requests, it may take us weeks to contact you back.
We know how worried you are about your loved one and we thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.
A family member has died, can you help me know where the body is and return it?
We are very sorry for your loss, and we hope you are getting the support you need in these difficult times.
The current situation is very complex. In other contexts, ICRC can sometimes act as a neutral intermediary to organize or support a transfer of human remains if requested and agreed by the parties to the conflict.
However, we are currently not able to support or organize the evacuation of the dead from the affected region. This would only be possible if security conditions allow, and authorities requested and agreed on this. With the current situation, ICRC cannot guarantee when or if this will become possible.
Is there anything I can do to help the ICRC?
Right now, our teams are working around the clock to help those affected by the violence. If you want to show your support for the ICRC, please do not hesitate to use your voice and share with your community, whether in person or online, factual information about what the ICRC does.
We are transparent about what we do and our limitations. We exist to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance, and your support will help us to achieve that.
