ICRC President: ICRC ready to help implement agreement reached by the parties and bring hostages and detainees home

Speaking in Jerusalem during a five-day visit to Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, she said: “We are ready to facilitate any release operation as agreed by the parties so that hostages and detainees can return home. We are also prepared to massively scale up our humanitarian response in Gaza, where the situation demands it. This will require continuous effort from the parties to ensure that our teams can carry out their work safely and effectively. 

“There are no words to describe the level of suffering that Palestinians and Israelis are enduring on a daily basis. This nightmare has gone on for far too long. The suffering must end. Civilians in Gaza need protection and humanitarian aid. The hostages need to come home. This is only possible with political commitment from all sides to put humanity first and respect the rules of war.  

“I hope this agreement marks a new beginning. Civilian lives must be protected and their needs prioritised. The coming days are critical and we are counting on the parties to hold to their commitments. While the agreement is welcome, it is not the end. There are immense humanitarian needs that must be addressed, which will take months, if not years.”  

As a neutral intermediary, the ICRC previously helped to facilitate the release of 109 hostages and 154 detainees. These operations are highly complex and require meticulous logistical and security planning to minimise the risk to life.  

The ICRC has maintained a constant presence in Gaza and urges all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, including sparing civilians from hostilities and protecting health-care facilities. The organisation also reinforces the need for the ICRC to access detention facilities and for continued confidential dialogue with the parties.  

During her visit, President Spoljaric met with families of hostages and plans to meet with families of Palestinian detainees. She also visited several locations within Gaza and Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel.  

President Spoljaric met with senior Israeli authorities in Jerusalem and is due to meet with officials from the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. Her visit also includes meetings with the leadership of the Palestine Red Crescent Society and the Magen David Adom.