ANDREW THOMAS

I am horrified by the shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Appalling scenes, and i know there have been multiple fatalities and injuries. My heart goes out to all those affected by this tragic incident. I know @RedCrossAU are getting support services to Bondi and encourage people to use these resources, and online ones too. Thank you to the teams there for responding so fast. Awful situation. redcross.org.au/emergencies/co…

Grateful for the support from Governments, National Societies, and partners at our @IFRC_DREF Pledging Conference 2025. Over the past 5 years, IFRC-DREF has allocated 295 million Swiss francs, targeting 80 million people worldwide, with 75% of funds going directly to National Societies on the frontlines of humanitarian emergencies. But as humanitarian needs grow, so must our ambition. The @IFRC plans to double the size of the IFRC-DREF to 200 million CHF by 2030, guided by a clear vision: 1⃣Get even closer to people – strengthening local branches & accountability. 2⃣Get smarter – scaling up Anticipatory Action (25% of the fund), using predictive analytics to preposition cash & supplies, and innovating in DREF financing. 3⃣Broaden our reach – providing predictable funding for National Societies in complex, protracted crises. The IFRC-DREF is no longer just a tool — it’s a lifeline for fast, local humanitarian response. Thank you to all partners, especially first-time donors to the IFRC-DREF and those who have increased their pledges, for their trust and support. This investment in humanity and in local action will save lives.

"This is a major Category 5 storm, the strongest on the planet this year & the most powerful hurricane to threaten the island in known history," @IFRC Head of Delegation for English & Dutch speaking Caribbean countries @Necephor told reporters in Geneva. bit.ly/4hztH7A

Today, across the Middle East, is the most positive in more than two years. The release of hostages, and freeing of detainees, are profoundly important for families who have endured the unimaginable. The significant ramp up of aid to Gaza is a long-overdue lifeline. We must build on this momentum. Across the @IFRC network we are ready to do whatever we can to help. Through our emergency appeal for the region, you can help too. The path to healing starts with hope. Today, finally, is a truly hopeful day. ifrc.org/emergency/midd….

Humanity. Impartiality. Neutrality. Independence. Voluntary service. Unity. Universality. From Vienna in 1965 to today’s frontlines, the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement remain the compass that makes humanitarian action possible. They enable our @IFRC network to deliver life-saving aid where others cannot, while upholding dignity and respect for all people affected by crises. As we are about to mark the 60th anniversary of the Fundamental Principles, we call on States to respect and protect principled humanitarian action so we can continue supporting people in crisis.

"I think all the accounts suggest that they were there for a purely humanitarian purpose." @Jagan_Chapagain of the @IFRC calls for an independent investigation after 15 emergency workers were killed near Rafah. Latest: trib.al/v8mXD8E 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602 and YouTube