The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, arrived in Gaza on Monday, highlighting the critical situation and calling for the protection of civilians in the conflict-ridden Palestinian territory. Spoljaric’s visit, part of a broader regional trip that includes Israel, comes amid renewed full-scale fighting between Israel and Hamas following the collapse of a truce.
Spoljaric expressed deep concern about the lack of safe places for civilians in Gaza and the constraints on humanitarian response due to the military siege. She emphasized the intolerable human suffering and the need for humane treatment of all those deprived of liberty, including hostages and prisoners from both sides of the conflict. The ICRC President insisted on the release of hostages and safe access for the ICRC to visit them.
Her visit follows the resumption of hostilities, which saw Israel and Hamas exchange scores of hostages and prisoners. Israel has launched a campaign to crush Hamas in response to attacks, resulting in significant casualties. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports a high death toll, predominantly women and children, sparking global concern and protests.
Spoljaric remarked on the brief humanitarian respite during the truce, stressing the ICRC’s readiness to support further humanitarian agreements. She aims to advance efforts to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and has reiterated the urgent call for the protection of civilian life and respect for international humanitarian law, including the unimpeded flow of aid into Gaza. During her visit, Spoljaric plans to meet with the ICRC team on the ground and visit the European Hospital in Gaza, where ICRC medical teams are providing critical support.
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