In an urgent appeal, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric declares that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza has surpassed acceptable limits. She emphasizes the need for immediate international efforts to alleviate suffering and maintain humanitarian standards in the ongoing conflict.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: ICRC Calls for Urgent Action
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: ICRC Calls for Urgent Action
The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) describes the situation in Gaza as "worse than hell," urging global leaders to intervene.
Gaza has become a nightmarish reality, said Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), during a recent interview with the BBC in Geneva. Calling the situation "worse than hell on earth," Spoljaric criticized the global community for failing to respond adequately to the tragedies unfolding amid the ongoing war.
In her remarks, she emphasized that not only has the situation deteriorated since her previous comments in April, but it has also reached a point where human dignity is being stripped away from the people of Gaza. "We cannot continue to watch what is happening," she stated, highlighting the staggering levels of destruction and suffering. The ICRC has long served as a global protector of humanitarian rights, and Spoljaric’s words carry the weight of an organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering in conflict zones.
While acknowledging Israel's right to self-defense, Spoljaric condemned the actions that harm innocent civilians, particularly children: "There is no excuse for hostage-taking, nor for depriving children of basic needs." She contended that past actions, including those of Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant Israeli casualties, do not justify the extensive destruction currently witnessed in Gaza.
Speaking to the challenges faced by her organization, Spoljaric revealed that their medical teams are overwhelmed. The ICRC surgical hospital located in Rafah has been inundated with casualties, especially during chaotic aid distribution efforts. "Nowhere is safe in Gaza," she declared, pointing out alarming incidents where both patients and medical personnel find themselves in danger.
Recent reports indicate that on a single chaotic morning, the Rafah hospital received 184 patients, including many who arrived deceased. This tragic incident unfolded as Israeli troops opened fire on civilians attempting to access aid. While the Israeli military reported that soldiers were responding to suspicious movements, witnesses described the scene as "total carnage."
Spoljaric cautioned against the dangerous rhetoric of "victory at all costs" that undermines the Geneva Conventions, emphasizing that the destruction of humanitarian norms poses a global threat. She reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire, warning that without it, the pathway back to peace will be permanently obstructed.
In her closing remarks, she called upon world leaders to take decisive action for the sake of humanity, stating that inaction will ultimately reverberate globally. As a pivotal institution regarding international humanitarian law, she insisted that every state is obliged to utilize its resources to restore peace and human dignity amidst the crisis in Gaza. The time to act is now.
In her remarks, she emphasized that not only has the situation deteriorated since her previous comments in April, but it has also reached a point where human dignity is being stripped away from the people of Gaza. "We cannot continue to watch what is happening," she stated, highlighting the staggering levels of destruction and suffering. The ICRC has long served as a global protector of humanitarian rights, and Spoljaric’s words carry the weight of an organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering in conflict zones.
While acknowledging Israel's right to self-defense, Spoljaric condemned the actions that harm innocent civilians, particularly children: "There is no excuse for hostage-taking, nor for depriving children of basic needs." She contended that past actions, including those of Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant Israeli casualties, do not justify the extensive destruction currently witnessed in Gaza.
Speaking to the challenges faced by her organization, Spoljaric revealed that their medical teams are overwhelmed. The ICRC surgical hospital located in Rafah has been inundated with casualties, especially during chaotic aid distribution efforts. "Nowhere is safe in Gaza," she declared, pointing out alarming incidents where both patients and medical personnel find themselves in danger.
Recent reports indicate that on a single chaotic morning, the Rafah hospital received 184 patients, including many who arrived deceased. This tragic incident unfolded as Israeli troops opened fire on civilians attempting to access aid. While the Israeli military reported that soldiers were responding to suspicious movements, witnesses described the scene as "total carnage."
Spoljaric cautioned against the dangerous rhetoric of "victory at all costs" that undermines the Geneva Conventions, emphasizing that the destruction of humanitarian norms poses a global threat. She reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire, warning that without it, the pathway back to peace will be permanently obstructed.
In her closing remarks, she called upon world leaders to take decisive action for the sake of humanity, stating that inaction will ultimately reverberate globally. As a pivotal institution regarding international humanitarian law, she insisted that every state is obliged to utilize its resources to restore peace and human dignity amidst the crisis in Gaza. The time to act is now.
