2023-11-14 10:45:00
He will also receive, along with family members, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Health, respectively, of Israel.
The ICRC has been persistently interceding for the hostages in Gaza. He has communicated directly with Hamas and other actors that may have influence on the parties to the armed conflict.
“The families of the hostages are going through an incredibly painful situation, and I want to emphasize our tenacity in interceding for their loved ones. It is a high priority issue for me, and I know that the families are suffering greatly.
said President Spoljaric
“International humanitarian law prohibits the taking of hostages. We continue to insist on their release and are doing everything in our power to gain access to them. We cannot do it alone; agreements must be made to allow the ICRC to carry out this work of safe way.”
“We are very concerned about the fact that among those detained there are children, elderly people and people with disabilities, as well as other vulnerable people,” Spoljaric emphasized.
“It is understandable that the communities are eager to receive positive news about the situation of the hostages, and I want to reassure them that we will not stop working for their release. Please know that the ICRC cannot gain access by force to the place where the hostages are held. We can only visit them through agreements, such as the one that guarantees safe access.”
The ICRC continues to request information about the hostages and their current health conditions, and is working to find out what happened to those whose whereabouts are unknown. Hostages must be treated humanely, have access to medical care and be able to communicate with their loved ones. The ICRC is prepared to facilitate their release, as it has done so far for four hostages.
We work to help victims from all sides in armed conflicts. Given the devastating humanitarian impacts in Gaza and Israel, we continue to urge the parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and, in particular, to protect civilians from the conduct of military operations.
In recent weeks, the ICRC has stepped up its humanitarian response in Gaza, particularly its support for emergency healthcare, in dangerous and chaotic conditions.
Note to the media: Journalists will not be given access to speak to relatives or officials at ICRC headquarters on Tuesday.
About the ICRC
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, impartial and independent organization with an exclusively humanitarian mission established in the Geneva Conventions of 1949. It helps people affected by armed conflicts and other situations of violence around the world, doing everything possible to protect their lives and dignity, and to alleviate their suffering, often together with their Red Cross and Red Crescent partners.
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