The ICRC is alarmed by this recent escalation, particularly by the deaths of several children and other civilians in the past 24 hours. It wishes to remind all those involved in the hostilities that the Fourth 1949 Geneva Convention is applicable in the occupied and autonomous territories and that international humanitarian law prohibits the killing or harming of civilians who are not directly taking part in the hostilities.

The ICRC calls on all parties to the conflict to exercise restraint and to respect the principle of proportionality in all military operations. It also urges them to respect the rules and other principles of international humanitarian law under all circumstances. It stresses that all necessary precautions must be taken to spare civilians and civilian property, to ensure that the wounded have access to adequate medical facilities and to ensure that medical personnel, vehicles and facilities can function effectively and without hindrance at all times.