ICRC urges immediate safeguards for West Bank civilians amid rising violence

The International Committee of the Red Cross issued an urgent appeal on Tuesday for the protection of civilians living in the West Bank, describing a worsening humanitarian situation. The organization pointed to a surge in violence, expanding settlement activity and increasingly restrictive movement controls that together are inflicting severe hardship on the population. According to the ICRC, dozens of Palestinians have been killed and hundreds wounded this year, with many more displaced and their homes destroyed.

Julien Lerisson, who leads the ICRC delegation in the occupied territories, demanded that the responsible authorities end the repeated bouts of severe violence and respect international humanitarian law. He stressed the need to safeguard public and private property, ensure access to essential services, and allow unhindered movement for patients, children and residents. The statement also noted that ambulances are often held up at checkpoints for hours, further endangering lives.