In a stark warning, Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), describes the dire situation in Gaza as "worse than hell on earth" during an interview with the BBC from Geneva's ICRC headquarters. Expressing her alarm at the horrifying effects of the ongoing war, Spoljaric emphasized that humanity is failing while watching innocent lives suffer.
Gaza's situation has deteriorated since Spoljaric's previous remarks in April. "It has become worse," she asserted, highlighting the overwhelming destruction and the profound suffering that is stripping the population of their dignity. She made a plea for immediate action to end hostilities and to liberate Israeli hostages.
The ICRC has a long-standing history of humanitarian service, maintaining the Geneva Conventions, which aim to protect civilians in conflict. Spoljaric underscored that every state has a right to defend itself but cautioned against actions that lead to the suffering of innocent civilians, particularly noting the plight of children in conflict areas.
The reporting from ICRC’s staff in Gaza, consisting largely of Palestinian nationals, offers critical insights into the war-torn area's reality, where foreign media have limited access. Spoljaric conveyed concerns regarding a new humanitarian aid distribution system in Gaza, stating its design places civilians in jeopardy by routing them through active conflict zones.
The ICRC's surgical hospital in Rafah, inundated with casualties due to recent violence, exemplifies the critical state of medical assistance in the area. In recent days, the hospital has faced overwhelming numbers of injured patients, with reports of attacks on civilians during aid distribution creating scenes described as "total carnage."
The Israeli military portrayed a different narrative regarding the recent incidents, claiming that its forces acted in self-defense. However, Spoljaric maintained that such claims do not absolve either party from the responsibilities dictated by the Geneva Conventions.
The escalation of violence, including the shocking death toll of over 54,000 Palestinians since Israel's military campaign began, has raised alarms over the potential erosion of global humanitarian standards. Spoljaric warns that continued conflict would have ramifications far beyond the immediate region.
Calling for urgent international action, she placed the responsibility on state leaders to seek peace and stability. "If there is no ceasefire, she fears for the future of the region," she stated emphatically. The pleas of the ICRC president highlight the critical need for humanitarian intervention at this tumultuous time.
Gaza's situation has deteriorated since Spoljaric's previous remarks in April. "It has become worse," she asserted, highlighting the overwhelming destruction and the profound suffering that is stripping the population of their dignity. She made a plea for immediate action to end hostilities and to liberate Israeli hostages.
The ICRC has a long-standing history of humanitarian service, maintaining the Geneva Conventions, which aim to protect civilians in conflict. Spoljaric underscored that every state has a right to defend itself but cautioned against actions that lead to the suffering of innocent civilians, particularly noting the plight of children in conflict areas.
The reporting from ICRC’s staff in Gaza, consisting largely of Palestinian nationals, offers critical insights into the war-torn area's reality, where foreign media have limited access. Spoljaric conveyed concerns regarding a new humanitarian aid distribution system in Gaza, stating its design places civilians in jeopardy by routing them through active conflict zones.
The ICRC's surgical hospital in Rafah, inundated with casualties due to recent violence, exemplifies the critical state of medical assistance in the area. In recent days, the hospital has faced overwhelming numbers of injured patients, with reports of attacks on civilians during aid distribution creating scenes described as "total carnage."
The Israeli military portrayed a different narrative regarding the recent incidents, claiming that its forces acted in self-defense. However, Spoljaric maintained that such claims do not absolve either party from the responsibilities dictated by the Geneva Conventions.
The escalation of violence, including the shocking death toll of over 54,000 Palestinians since Israel's military campaign began, has raised alarms over the potential erosion of global humanitarian standards. Spoljaric warns that continued conflict would have ramifications far beyond the immediate region.
Calling for urgent international action, she placed the responsibility on state leaders to seek peace and stability. "If there is no ceasefire, she fears for the future of the region," she stated emphatically. The pleas of the ICRC president highlight the critical need for humanitarian intervention at this tumultuous time.
