ICRC Suspends Operations In Gaza City Due To Increased Israeli Military Operations

ICRC Illustration (ICRC Source)

JAKARTA - The International Red Cross Committee (ICRC) to temporarily suspend operations at its office in Gaza City and relocate staff to offices in southern Gaza to ensure staff safety and operational continuity, as Israeli military operations escalate.

In a statement, the ICRC stressed, "This happens when tens of thousands of people still in Gaza are facing an alarming humanitarian condition and are in dire need of further assistance," it said.

"In the current Gaza City, civilians were killed, forced refuge, and forced to bear dire conditions. Emergency response officers, including the Palestinian Red Crescent and Civil Defense, have been working relentlessly to provide assistance, but their movement and ability to safely reach civilian residents is very limited," the statement continued.

The ICRC insists it will continue to strive to provide support to civilians in Gaza City, whenever possible, from its offices in Deir al-Balah and Rafah, which are still fully operational.

"This includes providing medical donations for some of the remaining health facilities in Gaza City and doing their best to facilitate the movement of the first responders. In Rafah, the Red Cross Field Hospital will continue to be a savior for many injured patients arriving," the agency explained.

The ICRC noted that it had been present in Gaza City for decades, stressing that after the latest escalating hostilities, their team remained there as long as possible to protect and support the most vulnerable.

The organization insists it remains committed to returning as soon as possible after possible conditions.

Over the past two weeks, the ICRC said it had provided life-saving medical supplies for several hospitals and health care centers remaining in Gaza City as it received a surge in gun injured patients.

"We support bread-making facilities in 14 refugee camps that provide 45,000 breads per day. The ICRC team provides water tanks, truck services, and supports repairing water and wastewater networks with local service providers," they explained.

"The lives can still be saved today. The cessation of hostilities is very important and urgent. Based on international humanitarian law, civilians must be protected, both they stay and leave Gaza City. Israel, as a power of occupation, has an obligation to ensure their basic needs are met," the ICRC exclaimed.

"Medical workers, units and means of transportation, as well as civilian defense personnel must be respected and protected. Delivery of fast and unrestricted humanitarian aid must be permitted and facilitated in the Gaza Strip," they said.