Red Cross Warns Mideast Hostilities Threaten Civilian Lives, Risk Wider Conflict

Alanbatnews -

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has issued a stark warning about the escalating hostilities across the Middle East, stating that they pose a grave threat to civilian lives and risk plunging the region into a far-reaching armed conflict that would overwhelm humanitarian response capabilities.

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger emphasized in a statement released Tuesday that the expanding scope of military operations throughout the Middle East could trigger a dangerous escalation, drawing the region and potentially other parts of the world into a precarious situation. She asserted that without immediate de-escalation efforts and adherence to the laws of war, more civilian lives will be lost.

Spoljaric Egger stressed that civilians are already enduring the severe consequences of ongoing conflicts and reiterated that all parties involved in armed conflicts are obligated to uphold international humanitarian law without any exceptions. This includes ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure from the impacts of military operations.

The ICRC president specifically underscored the need for schools to remain safe havens for education, where children can feel secure and protected from attacks. Similarly, hospitals must remain secure facilities dedicated to saving lives.

Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of protecting medical personnel and first responders, including the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, under all circumstances, enabling them to carry out their duties safely.

Spoljaric Egger called on all parties to facilitate the safe and unimpeded access of neutral humanitarian aid, asserting that protecting civilians and respecting the rules of war is a collective and urgent responsibility.