Red Cross calls for urgent de-escalation in Middle East

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has urgently called for a de-escalation in the Middle East, warning that further military conflict would be catastrophic for millions of civilians. The Yemeni civil war, fueled by a Saudi-led coalition backed by the government against Iran-backed Houthis, reignited in July, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.

Civilians bear the brunt of the violence, as military operations target infrastructure and key facilities, resulting in deaths, injuries, and widespread destruction. Mirjana Spoljaric, ICRC president, stated that civilians and civilian objects must be protected, while parties to the conflict must distinguish between combatants and non-combatants.

The ICRC emphasized that strikes on ports, airports, and essential infrastructure pose severe risks to communities dependent on them. Intensifying hostilities would have devastating consequences for tens of millions of people. Urgent efforts are required to de-escalate the situation and safeguard civilians from further harm. Established in Geneva, the ICRC upholds international humanitarian law, protecting those not or no longer participating in hostilities and regulating the means and methods of warfare.