ICRC Impeded By Unprecedented War Intensity, Civilian Toll In Gaza

Tehran, Augt 4, IRNA – The International Committee of the Red Cross has termed ˈunprecedentedˈ the on-going crisis in the Gaza Strip, number of displaced Palestinian people and extent of loss of life of the besieged civilian Gazans. In an interview with IRNA on the four-week aggression that has left over 1,700 Palestinians dead and over 9,000 wounded, Communication and Public Relations Officer for Gaza of the Geneva-based organization, Nada Doumani said the ICRC is in contact with the conflicting parties reminding them of respecting the principles of international humanitarian law including proportionality, protecting of civilians and ensuring the safe access to medical care. The ICRC spokeswoman for Gaza also elaborated on the organizationˈs challenges in delivering relief aid to the inflicted people in Gaza who already suffer from fragile infrastructure hardships due to the Israeli occupation. Full text of the interview follows: What do you think has been unprecedented about recent round of Israeli attacks on Palestinians? The civilian toll is high. From what we can see now, the extent of damage to buildings and the infrastructure is also immense, after 24 days of intense hostilities. As in previous military operations, civilians are paying the highest price of the conflict. As of today, 30th July, the death toll stands at 1,250 Palestinians killed, 7,000 injured and some 240,000 displaced, as per the figures of the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Two Israeli civilians were killed as well as 56 soldiers from the Israeli Defense Forces, as per various sources. This operation is unprecedented in terms of intensity as well as displacement of people. To illustrate the above, we can take a look at two of the previous military operations: Operation “Cast Lead” which started on 27 December 2008 and lasted three weeks. As a result, between 1,200 and 1,400 Palestinians were killed and 13 Israelis. Operation “Pillar of Defense”, lasted 8 days and started on 14 November 2012. 133 Palestinians and 6 Israelis were killed. Has ICRC faced any impediments posed by the conflicting parties in its humanitarian operation? Unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that our access has been impeded on several occasions, access to people in need of assistance, due to the high level of hostilities. Also, movement of ambulances has been impeded. Security is a major concern to the ICRC. There is currently very little humanitarian space, very little space to move. To what extent the disproportionate Israeli attacks violate international humanitarian law? We have to be extremely accurate when talking about violation of international humanitarian law or disproportionate attack. One cannot rely on media report but has to assess on the ground the impact and extent of the attack in order to conclude that it has violated IHL, as many elements have to be taken into account. The documentation and assessment of events are on-going. Rest assured that the ICRC is engaged in a continuous dialogue with the parties in conflict precisely discussing with them their conduct of hostilities and reminding them of their obligation to adhere to the principles of IHL, proportionality being one of them. What have been ICRC activities since escalation of the conflict? In order to relieve suffering in the densely populated Gaza Strip, the ICRC is working tirelessly with the Palestine Red Crescent Society and local authorities to restore people’s access to water, medical care and shelter. The ICRC helps taking the sick and wounded to hospital and supporting the work of those hospitals are vital activities, which the ICRC is carrying out around the clock. Throughout the conflict, the ICRC has been working hard to ensure access to medical care. The organization facilitates the safe movement of ambulances through conflict-affected zones. The ICRC has donated war-surgery kits, medicines and surgical equipment such as stretchers, hospital beds and wheelchairs, to which the Iranian Red Crescent Society has financially contributed. The ICRC has also provides fuel for ambulances and hospital generators. ICRC aids Al Aqsa hospital following a shelling incident. ICRC’s specialized doctors in emergency medicine are working at Al Shifa hospital. In regards to water and sanitation, the ICRC has carried out 20 projects since the conflict began to ensure that some 370,000 people have renewed access to water and sanitation. The organization has helped assess and repair damaged water and electrical infrastructure. If a sustained truce is there, what is the urgent relief assistance needed by Palestinians? There are immense needs in Gaza. One has to remember that people in the Strip have been, long before this latest conflict, facing grave difficulties because of the fragile infrastructure (water and electrical networks), the stagnant economy and the restrictions on the people’s movement and transportation of goods, in the backdrop of occupation. The on-going hostilities have given a huge blow to the already fragile situation. As we stand today, assistance is needed in several areas: As mentioned earlier in this interview, since health infrastructures are stretched to the limits with doctors working round the clock to cater for the constant influx of injured people. Many health structures have been damaged. The ICRC is also setting a post-operative unit. The ICRC has been very active in the field of water and sanitation. The water network as well as the electricity grid has been damaged. This will require time and most probably a cessation of the hostilities to be repaired fully. And of course, those whose houses have been damaged or destroyed are in dire need of assistance, now but also later after the conflict stops. Last but not least, once the conflict is over, one will have to deal with the trauma of the population. For further on ICRC in Gaza, please check the ICRC websites, where you can find all recent updates and A/V material on the situation of Gaza./end