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ICRC Chief: Gaza a ‘Hell on Earth’ Amid Ongoing Conflict
The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has described Gaza as “hell on earth” in an interview with the BBC, as the Israeli military’s offensive persists. These remarks from ICRC’s President, Mirjana Spoljaric, coincide with a United Nations human rights office alert about Israel’s methods potentially jeopardizing the prospect of Palestinians continuing to reside in Gaza.
ICRC Raises Concerns Over International Law
The ICRC, mandated to safeguard the Geneva Conventions – globally recognized rules governing wartime conduct – typically engages confidentially with warring factions when it suspects breaches of these regulations. However, Ms. Spoljaric has now publicly stated that events in Gaza represent a severe “erosion” of international law.
Mounting Casualties and Displacement
According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, Israeli bombardment has resulted in 1,542 fatalities since the renewed hostilities commenced on March 18th. Furthermore, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) evacuation directives have compelled nearly 400,000 individuals to relocate. Compounding the crisis, Israel has enforced a complete blockade on the entry of food, medical provisions, and all other essential supplies since March 2nd.
Israel’s Position
Israel maintains that its operations in Gaza are consistently compliant with international law. The nation also contends that the unique characteristics of this conflict, marked by Hamas combatants embedded within the civilian population, inevitably lead to unavoidable collateral damage.
Hostages and Humanitarian Obligations
Israeli ministers assert that sufficient food supplies are available in Gaza. They also state that the ongoing bombardment and territorial incursions are aimed at pressuring Hamas to release the hostages seized during the October 7, 2023, attack. However, under the fourth Geneva Convention, occupying powers, such as Israel in Gaza, are obligated to ensure the provision of food and medicine to civilians and to protect medical facilities and personnel. This convention also forbids the forced displacement of populations from occupied areas.
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ICRC President: Universal Application of Law
“No nation, no party involved in a conflict… can be exempt from the duty to refrain from committing war crimes, genocide, or ethnic cleansing,” Ms. Spoljaric affirmed. “These regulations are applicable universally.”
Civilian Suffering Intensifies
She emphasized that civilians are bearing the brunt of the relentless pursuit of military objectives, facing repeated displacement and witnessing the destruction of their homes. Data from the UN human rights office indicates that all casualties from 36 recent verified airstrikes were women and children.
Israel Denies Genocide Allegations
Israel has vehemently refuted accusations of perpetrating genocide or engaging in genocidal actions in Gaza.
The Israeli military has stated it is investigating an incident involving the deaths of family members in Khan Younis and reported striking 40 “terror targets” across Gaza in the preceding 24 hours.
Growing International Concern
The ICRC’s pronouncements add to a rising chorus of apprehension emanating from the UN and other international agencies.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, stated on Friday that the “cumulative effect” of the IDF’s actions raises serious concerns that “Israel appears to be subjecting Palestinians in Gaza to living conditions increasingly incompatible with their continued existence as a group in Gaza.”
She further added that Israel was continuing to bomb tent encampments in the al-Mawasi area, a zone it had designated as safe for civilians.
Earlier, the UN Secretary-General cautioned on Tuesday that Israel’s blockade of Gaza constitutes a violation of the Geneva Conventions and that the territory is descending into a “killing field.” On Monday, leaders of six UN aid organizations issued a joint appeal for global intervention to save the people of Gaza and uphold fundamental international law.
Core Principles of the Geneva Conventions
The Geneva Conventions are built upon key principles:
- Protection and freedom of operation for medical personnel and hospitals in war zones.
- Entitlement to medical treatment for wounded combatants who are no longer participating in hostilities.
- Humane treatment of prisoners of war.
- Obligation of warring parties to protect civilians, including the prohibition of targeting civilian infrastructure like power and water supplies.
Relevance in Modern Conflicts
Two decades ago, during its “war on terror,” the US suggested that the Geneva Conventions might be outdated in contemporary warfare. However, the ICRC maintains their unwavering applicability in all circumstances.
“It’s not transactional,” Ms. Spoljaric stated. “Compliance with these rules is mandatory regardless of the adversary’s actions.”
She urged a reinstatement of the ceasefire, noting the ICRC’s prior successful efforts in evacuating Israeli hostages from Gaza and reuniting them with their families during previous pauses in fighting.
Dehumanization and Long-Term Consequences
Ms. Spoljaric also cautioned about escalating “dehumanization” during wartime, with the international community seemingly disengaging despite clear indications of war crimes being committed.
She emphasized that the Geneva Conventions protecting civilians were established after World War II precisely to prevent such dehumanization from recurring. Weakening or abandoning these conventions sends a perilous message that “anything is permissible.”
The ICRC believes that adherence to the laws of war can ultimately contribute to building a more lasting peace. Post-conflict, both combatants and civilians will remember whether international law was respected or whether atrocities were perpetrated.
However, Gaza, Ms. Spoljaric believes, “will haunt us. It will haunt us for a long time because the suffering… is irreversible and will endure for generations.”
Background to the Conflict
The Israeli military initiated its campaign to dismantle Hamas following an unprecedented cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, in which approximately 1,200 individuals were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
Tragically, more than 50,912 people have perished in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.