Statement

Statement from ICRC president on the escalation of major military operations in the Middle East

The following is a statement attributable to ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric on the escalation of major military operations in the Middle East
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Geneva (ICRC) — The intensification and spread of major military operations in the Middle East risk engulfing the region—and the world—in a war with irreversible consequences.

The world cannot absorb limitless war. Upholding international humanitarian law is not a choice. It is an obligation. 

Civilians must be spared from the conduct of hostilities. Medical personnel and first responders must be allowed to carry out their lifesaving work safely. This includes our colleagues at the Iranian Red Crescent Society. It also includes those at Magen David Adom. 

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has delegations in both Iran and Israel and is mobilising teams and supplies to scale up to address increasing needs, but no humanitarian response can substitute for political will to prioritise peace, stability and human life. 

For more information, please contact:

press@icrc.org

FAQ

Our work in Israel and the occupied territories

The ICRC has been present in Israel and the occupied territories (including the Golan, West Bank and Gaza Strip, and Shebaa Farms) since 1967. As a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization, we promote compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) and work to mitigate the impact of armed conflict, other violence and occupation on civilians through our protection activities and assistance programs.