For a health facility like NMC to be damaged in a strike on Monday morning, and for medical personnel, journalists, patients, and first responders to be killed and injured as a result of this, is unacceptable.
Such strikes cause death and destruction and jeopardize vital lifelines for patients who have few sanctuaries left. NMC is a referral hospital for the Red Cross Field Hospital and other medical units. It is crucial to guarantee its continued operation and accessibility - for both medical personnel and patients.
The ICRC reiterates that under international humanitarian law, medical facilities, journalists and first responders must be respected and protected. All feasible steps must be taken to support their work and ensure their safety. The ICRC urgently calls for the respect and protection of those who play essential roles in safeguarding life and dignity amidst armed conflict.
