GENEVA, Jan 30 (KUNA) -- President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric Friday called for harnessing the momentum generated by the first phase of the Israeli occupation-Hamas agreement to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
In a statement issued in Geneva Spoljaric said, "The international community must seize every opportunity to scale up efforts to alleviate suffering in Gaza. This includes easing restrictions on so-called dual-use materials and equipment, such as water pipes and generators, which are essential for restoring the basic infrastructure on which people rely." She added that over the last 15 weeks, the (ICRC) worked with Israeli occupation and Hamas and the mediators to help bring hostages from both sides and the remains of the deceased back to their families as outlined in the first phase of the agreement.
"These actions allowed families to be reunited with their loved ones and properly mourn those they lost. This work, however difficult, demonstrates the irreplaceable role of humanitarian steps in the long path towards peace," she stressed.
Spoljaric warned that many people in Gaza are still living in the rubble without basic services struggling to stay warm amid harsh winter conditions. Thousands of families continue to wait for news about their loved ones. Hospitals, homes, schools and water systems need to be repaired, and unexploded ordnance must be cleared.
She stressed, "All states and parties to conflict have a responsibility to ensure the boundaries and protections enshrined in international humanitarian law are upheld. This is essential for saving lives, restoring human dignity and laying the foundations on which lasting peace can be built." (end) imk.mt