Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, stated on Tuesday that "the conflict in Gaza represents a 'moral failure' of the international community," urging all parties to reach a new agreement to halt the fighting. She added to reporters in Geneva after visits to Gaza and Israel: "I spoke of the moral failure because every day that this continues is another day that the international community has failed to end these high levels of suffering, and it will have an impact on generations not just in Gaza."
Spoljaric mentioned that "there is nothing without an agreement between the two sides, so we urge them to continue negotiating and facilitate the space we need to activate the releases (of hostages and detainees)." She stated that "it's not about just 'going there and taking the hostages out,' considering any comparison to Uber or taxis is 'unacceptable and shameful.'" She added: "Our colleagues have risked their lives, safety, and security during these operations, and hostages are at significant risk during these situations."
Spoljaric confirmed that "the International Committee of the Red Cross will be ready to provide assistance again once the parties reach an agreement." She noted that "we are still talking to all parties so that we can be ready to activate the agreement they reach."
