• The president of the ICRC said the killing and ill treatment of civilians is “prohibited by the Geneva Conventions.”

Arab News Japan

DUBAI: Calls for de-escalation in Israel and the Gaza Strip are coming out of many countries in the Middle East and around the world yet tensions continue to rise.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) released a statement on Tuesday said: “Without immediate restraint, we are heading for a humanitarian disaster.”

The ICRC, permanently present in Israel and the Palestinian territories since 1967, said it has long been witness to the devastating killing of civilians leading to further spirals of violence.

Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the ICRC, said: “Civilians always pay the highest price in conflict. At this critical moment, we urge the parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and to take every possible step to prevent civilians from further harm. All sides must exercise restraint and protect civilian lives and property.”

The president of the organization said the killing and ill treatment of civilians is “prohibited by the Geneva Conventions.”

“Hostage-taking is prohibited under international humanitarian law and hostages should be immediately released unharmed,” Spoljaric said.

After Energy Minister Israel Katz ordered the halt of water and electricity supply to Gaza, Spoljaric said critical infrastructure “that people depend on to live – including electricity and water networks – must not be targeted.”

“Irrespective of any military siege, the authorities must ensure that civilians have access to basic necessities, including safe water, food and medical care,” she added.

The ICRC said the organization was ready to do everything to help, including in their role as a neutral intermediary.

“Humanitarian workers must be allowed free passage to assist those in need,” Spoljaric said. “Medical facilities and medical personnel must never be targeted.”