Similar aid was provided yesterday for Al-Kindi Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, following one of the deadliest days in recent weeks. On 16 January, two car bombs killed some 70 people, mostly students from Al-Mustansiriya University. On the same day, dozens were also killed in different bombings and shootings. Al-Kindi Teaching Hospital received most of the injured and was in dire need of assistance.

"Civilians are considered by some as legitimate targets. This is an appalling fact, and it is unacceptable by any standard," said Karl Mattli, head of the ICRC delegation in Iraq. "The massive influx of casualties is putting the Iraqi health-care system under considerable strain and the ICRC is doing its utmost to support it," he added.

The conflict in Iraq continues to claim the lives of scores of civilians every day, notably in Baghdad. The ICRC provides emergency aid to victims whenever and wherever possible.