Red Cross Urges Gaza Ceasefire Implementation to End 'Horror'

The International Committee of the Red Cross has declared that the newly established ceasefire between Israel and Hamas must represent a definitive turning point following two years of devastating conflict in Gaza. ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric characterized the agreement as offering "a vital chance to save lives and ease suffering" after what she described as a period of "unimaginable horror" for the Palestinian territory's civilian population.

Spoljaric confirmed that ICRC teams operating in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank are prepared to support the ceasefire's implementation, including facilitating the return of hostages and detainees to their families. The organization also stands ready to handle the repatriation of human remains "so families can mourn their loved ones with dignity" while expanding delivery of lifesaving aid throughout Gaza with secure distribution to those most severely affected by the prolonged conflict.

The ICRC president emphasized that "the coming days are critical," urging all parties to honor their commitments through safe and dignified release operations. She stressed that "humanitarian assistance must resume urgently at full capacity and be delivered to people safely wherever they are," adding that "the ceasefire must hold" because "lives depend on it." The statement reflects international concern about the precarious humanitarian situation in Gaza after months of restricted aid access.

UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires reinforced these concerns during a Geneva press briefing, asserting that the ceasefire "must be met with immediate, urgent action" with particular emphasis on child protection. He revealed that "over 64,000 children have either died or been injured due to attacks by Israel's military," with approximately one quarter sustaining life-altering injuries. Pires warned that approaching winter conditions without adequate food, shelter, or clothing "will be lethal" for Gaza's children without rapid humanitarian intervention.