Gaza has plunged into a humanitarian crisis that the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) describes as "worse than hell on earth." Mirjana Spoljaric, speaking to the BBC from the ICRC's Geneva headquarters, expressed deep concern over the escalating atrocities witnessed in the ongoing conflict. "Humanity is failing," she lamented, reflecting on the shocking suffering and devastation permeating the region.
Spoljaric emphasized that the plight of Gazans, stripped of human dignity and basic rights, should invoke a profound response from the international community. She criticized the ongoing warfare, asserting that "there are rules in the conduct of hostilities that every party must respect." Highlighting the tragedy of civilians caught in crossfire, she underscored that no justification could absolve any side for the resulting human rights violations.
The ICRC president reaffirmed the organization’s objective of safeguarding human rights under the Geneva Conventions, which obligate parties in conflict to protect non-combatants. "A child in Gaza has the same protections under the Geneva Conventions as a child in Israel," Spoljaric stated firmly, calling for enforcement of humanitarian norms amid the chaos.
She revealed that the ICRC’s surgical hospital in Rafah has been overwhelmed with casualties, reporting a staggering influx of 184 patients in just a few hours. Many civilians have been severely injured in recent clashes, particularly during aid distribution operations, which she deemed dangerously flawed for endangering lives amidst fighting.
Spoljaric's statements come during a time when violence in Gaza has dramatically escalated since the Hamas attacks on October 7, resulting in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians. Calling for urgent action from global leaders, she urged them to facilitate a ceasefire and to restore peace. "If you destroy the pathway to peace, the region will never find security," she warned, making a desperate appeal for intervention before irreparable harm is done.
With the situation deteriorating, international attention is paramount in addressing the humanitarian needs and reducing the suffering that continues to afflict the people of Gaza. The ICRC's first-hand accounts and insights serve as a vital resource for understanding the complex realities on the ground.
