The International Committee of the Red Cross has called on parties to the Middle East conflict to respect international humanitarian law, given the increasing number of civilian casualties in Lebanon.
The ICRC said in Geneva on Wednesday that international humanitarian law makes it clear that care must be taken at all times to spare the civilian population and civilian objects when conducting military operations, and that a distinction must be made between civilian objects and military objectives.
Spokesman Christian Cardon said “the civilian population will undoubtedly pay the highest price if the conflict escalates further.”
The ICRC’s work in international armed conflicts is aimed at upholding and promoting international humanitarian law and is based on the four Geneva Conventions.
The ICRC is working with the Red Cross and Red Crescent to provide assistance to the wounded and displaced, for example by providing medical supplies for hospitals, as well as food, household products and cash for residents.
