Renewed Fighting in Gaza Brings Back Nightmarish Situation, Says Red Cross Chief
Renewed fighting in Gaza following a week-long truce has plunged the Palestinian territory into a “nightmarish situation,” according to the head of the Red Cross. Speaking at the UN’s COP28 climate talks in Dubai, Robert Mardini, director-general of the International Committee of the Red Cross, expressed deep concern for the people of Gaza. He highlighted the dire conditions they are facing, including hospitals and the entire Gaza Strip being on the brink of collapse.
Mardini emphasized that the resumption of fighting has brought the people of Gaza back to the nightmarish situation they were in before the truce. He described their suffering, destruction, fear, anxiety, and precarious living conditions. Israel’s military confirmed that fighter jets were striking Hamas targets in Gaza, with journalists reporting air attacks in both the north and south of the territory.
The combat resumed shortly after Israel’s army intercepted a rocket fired from Gaza, marking the first violation of the truce since it began on November 24. Mardini stressed that there is nowhere safe for civilians to go, highlighting the challenges faced by hospitals and humanitarian organizations. He revealed that hundreds of severely injured people have arrived at hospitals where their teams have been working. However, the influx of wounded has overwhelmed the hospitals’ capacity to treat them effectively.
During the seven-day truce, negotiations mediated by Qatar, with support from Egypt and the US, led to the release of 80 Israeli hostages and 240 Palestinian prisoners. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transportation of both hostages and prisoners. Mardini noted that releases only occurred during the truce because specific conditions needed to be met. He assured that the ICRC stands ready to facilitate further releases if necessary.
The renewed fighting also poses a threat to aid entering Gaza, where approximately 80 percent of the population is displaced and struggling with shortages of food, water, and other essentials. Mardini expressed concern that with the resumption of hostilities, less aid will be able to reach the people. Additionally, humanitarian organizations, including the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, the ICRC, and UN agencies, will have reduced capacities to deliver aid. This will further hinder the already limited access for people to receive assistance.
The situation in Gaza remains extremely volatile and requires urgent attention from the international community. The resumption of fighting has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis, with innocent civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected. However, without a sustainable and lasting solution to the conflict, the cycle of violence and suffering will continue.
Efforts must be made to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians in Gaza. The international community should exert diplomatic pressure on all parties involved to cease hostilities and return to negotiations for a peaceful resolution. Immediate access to humanitarian aid must be guaranteed, and steps should be taken to address the root causes of the conflict.
As the world focuses on climate talks and other pressing global issues, it is crucial not to overlook the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The suffering of the Palestinian people cannot be ignored, and concerted efforts must be made to bring about lasting peace and stability in the region. The Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations will continue their vital work, but they cannot do it alone. It is time for the international community to step up and take action to end the cycle of violence in Gaza.