12th February, 2025
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has issued a strong appeal for the continuation of the ceasefire in Gaza.
It warned that any reversal could drag the region back into the misery and despair that has defined the past 16 months.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the ICRC stressed that the three-week ceasefire had already saved countless lives, reunited families, and allowed humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need.
The organization emphasized that breaking the truce would put hundreds of thousands at risk, with civilians bearing the brunt of renewed hostilities.
“All of the remaining hostages need to be released. People in Gaza need respite from violence and access to lifesaving humanitarian aid. This all depends on the continuation of the ceasefire agreement,” the statement read.
The ICRC reaffirmed its role as a humanitarian intermediary and pledged to continue facilitating the release of hostages and detainees while ensuring the steady flow of aid into Gaza.
The organization also called for unrestricted access to all hostages and detainees to ensure their safety and well-being.
As tensions remain high, the ICRC urged all parties to honour their commitments and prioritise human lives over conflict.
“We remain committed to supporting the implementation of this agreement and facilitating dignified releases of hostages and detainees,” the organization stated.
The ceasefire, seen as a critical lifeline for Gaza’s war-weary population, has offered a rare period of stability in the region.
However, fears of a collapse loom as political and military pressures mount.
The ICRC’s latest plea underscores the fragile nature of the truce and the dire consequences of its potential breakdown.
The Red Cross, which operates as a neutral and impartial humanitarian body under the Geneva Conventions, continues to work alongside its Red Crescent partners to alleviate suffering in conflict zones worldwide.
