Fabrizio Carboni, the Regional Director for the Near and Middle East of the International Committee of the Red Cross, has voiced his deep concerns regarding what he describes as “waves of escalating violence” in the Middle East.
He warned of the potential for the conflict in Gaza and Israel to take on a regional dimension.
In a statement issued from Geneva on Tuesday, the International Committee official stated that the region has been embroiled in a humanitarian crisis for decades, with civilians in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and other places bearing the brunt of the cost.
He noted that an intensification of hostilities could lead to further suffering and exacerbate existing humanitarian emergencies. Carboni emphasized that what the people in the region need is a respite from violence.
The international official urged all relevant parties to prioritize civilian lives and adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law, emphasizing the importance of efforts to de-escalate the situation and preserve human life and dignity.