The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned of a “dangerous chain reaction” across the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes in Iran.
– Mirjana Spoljaric, in a statement on Saturday, said the escalating military situation in the region risks catastrophic consequences for civilians.
– She urged nations to adhere to the rules of warfare and called for the political resolve necessary to prevent “further deaths and destruction.”
– “The rules of warfare are an obligation, not a choice. In international armed conflicts, international humanitarian law, particularly the four Geneva Conventions, must be applied,” Spoljaric stressed.
– The Geneva-based ICRC is tasked with protecting those who are not, or no longer, involved in hostilities.
– Spoljaric emphasised the need for civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, homes, and schools, to be safeguarded from attacks.
– She added that medical staff and first responders must be allowed to carry out their work safely.
– She noted that the ICRC has teams operating in Iran, Israel, and across the region, ready to address needs within its mandate and where access allows.
– However, she warned, “Humanitarian aid cannot match the scale or speed of suffering caused by continued conflict.
– Political will is essential to achieve peace and prevent further loss of life and destruction.”