Jerusalem/Geneva (ICRC) - The International Committee of the Red Cross is increasingly concerned by the deterioration in the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
Attacks against civilians and the growing number of casualties at demonstrations and other events, are fueling a climate of fear and retribution.
"Attacks against civilians must stop," said the ICRC's head of delegation in Israel and the occupied territories Jacques de Maio. "Deliberate or indiscriminate attacks against civilians, wherever they take place and whoever the perpetrator, are unacceptable and should never be justified or incited, under any circumstances."
"Any use of force in response to the situation must be proportionate," de Maio stressed. "In particular, firearms and live ammunition must only be used as a last resort, to protect against an imminent threat to life."
The ICRC calls on all sides to show restraint and responsibility. Failure to do so can only further aggravate the situation.
For further information, please contact:
Krista Armstrong, ICRC Jerusalem, tel: +972 52 601 9150
Nadia Dibsy, ICRC Jerusalem, tel: +972 52 601 91 48
Sitara Jabeen, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 22 730 24 78 or +41 79 536 92 31
