LOC15:12
12:12 GMT
GENEVA, Oct 1 (KUNA) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced, on Wednesday, that it has been forced to temporarily suspend operations at its Gaza City office and relocate staff to southern Gaza, as Israeli occupation aggression intensifies and the humanitarian situation deteriorates.
The ICRC explained in a statement that this measure was necessary "to ensure staff safety and the continuity of humanitarian work", as civilians in Gaza continue to face catastrophic conditions marked by severe shortages of essential aid.
First responders including the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and Civil Defense have been working relentlessly to provide relief. However, their movement and their ability to reach civilians safely have been gravely restricted.
Despite the suspension, the ICRC confirmed that it will continue to provide life-saving medical support to the few remaining health facilities still operating in Gaza City.
Operations will be maintained through its offices in Deir Al-Balah and Rafah alongside supporting paramedics and running the Red Cross field hospital in Rafah, which remains a lifeline for the wounded.
The ICRC reiterated its call for an immediate halt to hostilities, stressing that international humanitarian law obliges the protection of civilians whether they choose to remain in Gaza City or leave.
It further underlined that "Israel as the occupying power," is legally bound to ensure civilians' basic needs are met and to allow the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance. (end)
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