The International Committee of the Red Cross has called on all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East to protect civilians and uphold their obligations under International Human Rights Law.
The ICRC’s Regional Director for the Near and Middle East, Nicolas Von Arx, noted the potential harm of the fighting on civilians, describing the risks as “massive” and casualties as “incalculable”.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the ICRC’s Abuja Delegation, Aliyu Dawobe, on Friday.
Arx also called on the parties to “reduce the suffering of civilians”, adding that both sides must shun dehumanisation that only serves to escalate the crisis.
“The risks are massive. If the violence continues to escalate, the potential harm to civilians is incalculable. All parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to reduce the suffering of civilians and pave the way for a more stable and peaceful future.
Dehumanisation that fuels more cycles of violence must be shunned by all sides,” he said.
The ICRC also noted that civilians have borne the brunt of the armed conflicts in the past year, while calling on all sides to avoid the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, adding that those who fled their homes must be allowed to do so in safety and access humanitarian assistance.
“Civilians have already borne the brunt of armed conflict over the last year, with the kidnapping of hostages in Israel and the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. And now we see a concerning spread of loss of life and destruction in Lebanon. The ICRC calls on all sides to avoid the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, as these cause indiscriminate harm, leading to a potentially significant toll on civilian lives, homes, and essential infrastructure.
“People displaced from their homes must be allowed to flee in safety and must be able to access humanitarian assistance. The most vulnerable, including children, the elderly, and those with disabilities, face an increasing risk of life-threatening conditions as healthcare services and essential supplies are stretched thin. Ambulances, healthcare facilities, and first responders must be protected.
“Parties to the conflict must ensure the basic needs of civilians, including water, food, and medical care, and they must facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of supplies, equipment, and personnel of all humanitarian and impartial aid organisations,” the statement further read.
The Red Cross also stated that it was “ramping up its efforts across the region, particularly its support to healthcare services,” warning, however, that “the scale of needs may soon become so overwhelming that humanitarian organisations would not be able to respond to them all.”
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