“There are no words that can truly reflect the scale and horror of this human loss,” said Julien Lerisson, ICRC head of delegation for Israel and the occupied territories. “We have seen too much pain over the last three years and we must not lose sight of the humanity we share,” said Lerisson.  

In its role as a neutral intermediary over the last three years, the ICRC supported the return home of 195 hostages from Gaza – including 35 who were deceased. In the same period, across many different operations, we have facilitated the return of more than 6,000 released Palestinian detainees. In Gaza, the ICRC has been addressing humanitarian needs such as access to clean water, adequate shelter and nutritious food, and through the Red Cross Field Hospital, which has provided more than 52,400 consultations.

“Respect for the laws of war ensures space for humanity even during dark moments,” Lerisson said. “We reiterate our call to de-escalate the conflict and provide a path for peace – so that all people affected by the conflict can live safely and in dignity with their loved ones.”

About the ICRC

Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to relieve suffering and preserve human dignity during war and armed violence. Alongside our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners, we deliver life-saving aid across front lines and strive to reconnect families and locate missing people.

Engaging with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, we advocate for humane treatment of detainees and urge compliance with international humanitarian law to protect civilians from harm, including online.

For more information, please contact:

Amani Al Naouq, Gaza: +972 56 281 5029 – email: aalnaouq@icrc.org 

Gilad Grossman, Tel Aviv: +972 52 601 9123 - email: ggrossman@icrc.org