Amman, Mar. 3 (Petra)- – Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric warned of the the widening hostilities across the Middle East that are putting civilian lives in grave danger.

In a statement Tuesday, Spoljaric said:" The scale of major military operations flaring across the Middle East risks embroiling the region – and beyond – into another large-scale armed conflict that will overwhelm any humanitarian response." Spoljaric added that without urgent steps to de-escalate the situation and respect the rules of war, further civilian lives will be lost.

Urging some steps to mitiagte damage, she said: "Civilians are already suffering the consequences of war. All parties to armed conflict have an obligation to uphold the rules of war, which are unequivocal. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be spared from hostilities.

Spoljaric noted schools must remain sanctuaries for learning where children can feel safe and protected from attacks, and hospitals must remain sanctuaries for saving lives.

Additionally, she stated medical personnel and first responders, such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, must be protected in all circumstances and be able to carry out their work safely.

She affirmed all parties must allow and facilitate safe and unrestricted access for impartial humanitarian assistance to reach those in need.

//Petra// AG