Mass evacuation of Gaza deemed impossible under present circumstances, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and various international bodies have expressed deep concern over the current situation in Gaza, urging for immediate action to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The President of the ICRC, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, has taken office on October 1, 2022, and has been at the forefront of these calls. She has emphasised the need for a safe and dignified mass evacuation of Gaza City, warning that any escalation would result in more death, destruction, and displacement.
Spoljaric has highlighted the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and severe shortages of food, water, shelter, and medical care in Gaza as reasons for her concern. She has called for the immediate flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing the catastrophic famine that has led to the tragic death of 10 more Palestinians, including 3 children, due to hunger.
The ICRC, a neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian organisation created under the 1949 Geneva Conventions, operates worldwide to protect lives, relieve suffering, and safeguard the dignity of people affected by armed conflict and other violence. In Gaza, the ICRC often works in coordination with Red Cross and Red Crescent partners.
In addition to the ICRC's concerns, the Turkish Parliament has labelled Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocidal" and has urged global action regarding the situation. They have also called for the prevention of family separation during evacuations, as required by International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
The IHL also stipulates that people must be allowed to return home and that when evacuation orders are issued, Israel must ensure satisfactory conditions of shelter, hygiene, health, safety, and nutrition. Spoljaric has urged the release of all hostages by Hamas in Gaza.
A ceasefire is also being advocated for by the ICRC President in Gaza. However, Spoljaric has stated that such an evacuation would trigger a massive population movement that no part of the Gaza Strip could accommodate. She emphasised that IHL protects all civilians, whether they leave or remain.
The scale of the humanitarian aid needed should be sufficient to meet the current needs in Gaza. The Turkish Parliament has also urged for this, emphasising the urgent need for international action to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.
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