President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric has called for the protection of civilians in Gaza and respect for the laws of war while calling for access to regular aids.
She also reiterated the ICRC’s call for the hostages to be immediately released.
Spoljaric was in Gaza on Monday to advance efforts that alleviate the devastating humanitarian toll the ongoing conflict is taking on civilians.
According to a statement by the Committee’s Nigeria Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Dawobe, the president’s journey to the region is happening in several stages, with a visit to Israel expected over the coming weeks.
According to Spoljaric, “The level of human suffering is intolerable. It is unacceptable that civilians have no safe place to go in Gaza, and with a military siege in place there is also no adequate humanitarian response currently possible.
“The purpose of my visit is to advance efforts that alleviate the desperate humanitarian situation. I will convey my deep concern for the plight of civilians and underline the ICRC’s utmost commitment to doing everything we can to ease their suffering.
“We have urgently appealed for civilian life to be protected and respected on all sides, in line with international humanitarian law, and I reiterate that appeal today.
“An unimpeded and regular flow of aid must be allowed to enter Gaza. All those deprived of liberty must be treated humanely. The hostages must be released, and the ICRC must be allowed to safely visit them.”
