“We call on parties to pull back from the precipice of a wider regional conflict that would plunge communities already affected by violence deeper into crisis,” said ICRC chief spokesperson Christian Cardon. “The last year has seen indescribable levels of suffering in the region. In recent days, we have seen new scenes of death, displacement, and destruction, with homes destroyed and loved ones killed. The fear of imminent attacks has triggered panic with people fleeing with whatever they can carry. Civilians will undoubtedly pay the highest price if the conflict further escalates.”
The rising number of injured is putting health facilities under strain. Families are also separated and struggling to stay in touch with one another. The ICRC is assessing the most urgent needs together with partners in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to respond where most needed, including support for those displaced from their homes as well as health care facilities.
Under international humanitarian law, constant care must be taken to spare civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of military operations and to distinguish between civilian objects and military objectives.
The ICRC is committed to continuing its work to help people affected by armed conflict and other forms of violence and to enhance respect for international humanitarian law. This will include supplying medical items to health care facilities and providing cash, food, and household items to thousands of families. This also covers supplies for displaced people living in collective shelters, together with the Lebanese Red Cross.
