Geneva (ICRC) - The International Committee of the Red Cross is prepared and ready to bring in medicine, food and family news for the hostages in Gaza. To do this, an agreement must be reached between Israel and Hamas. While the ICRC is in constant dialogue with all parties, the ICRC is not involved in any negotiations.
ICRC teams are also prepared to scale-up the delivery of life-saving aid safely to civilians in desperate need across the Gaza Strip. A rapid and unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance must be allowed and facilitated. With acute food shortages worsening by the day, civilians in Gaza must have immediate and sustained access to food, along with safe water, medical and hygiene supplies, and other essentials needed to survive and live in dignity. The ICRC also stands ready to visit Palestinian detainees in Israeli places of detention.
Only a lasting agreement between the parties can end the suffering endured by hostages and their families as well as the millions in Gaza who are struggling to secure the essentials for survival.
The window for saving lives in Gaza is closing. The time to act is now.
In accordance with her role, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric spoke yesterday with President Isaac Herzog to try to secure humanitarian access, ensure respect for international humanitarian law, and alleviate suffering in the region. This includes efforts to facilitate the release of hostages and detainees, as well as to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
