Red Cross urges entry of life-saving aid into Gaza

The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) on Sunday urged allowing the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, the besieged Palestinian enclave where Israel has continued its bombardment and blockade since the Oct. 7 Hamas incursion.

"Life-saving aid must be allowed into Gaza. With hostilities ongoing, the parties must ensure the civilian population has access to shelter, food, health, hygiene, and safety," ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said on X.

"If the parties cannot meet these obligations, they must allow and facilitate the passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need," Spoljaric urged.

The regulations governing the conduct of hostilities remain completely relevant, she said, adding that it is essential to abide by the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution with robust consistency.

"This is critical for protecting civilians against the effects of hostilities, especially in urban areas," said the head of Red Cross.

Last weekend, in a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israeli forces launched a sustained military push against the Gaza Strip, a response to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territories.

The conflict began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air.

Hamas said the operation was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers' growing violence against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.

Israel's response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening living conditions in an area that has endured a crippling siege since 2007, as well as ordering more than 1 million Gazans in the northern strip to evacuate to the southern strip.