This assurance came in response to recent letters from Mr. Kolivand regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Ms. Spoljaric conveyed this commitment in a formal message addressed to the IRCS President. 

The full text of the ICRC President’s message reads as follows:

Dear Dr Kolivand,

Thank you for your letters, dated 22 and 28 July, regarding the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. After 21 months of hostilities, which began after the events of 7 October 2023, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence in Gaza, as well as in the West Bank. Since the start of the crisis, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has suffered the devastating loss of 31 Palestine Red Crescent Society colleagues, who died while courageously responding to humanitarian needs, and six International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) staff members. This is a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation in Gaza, where no place is safe. This challenging security environment did not, however, discourage the dedicated local volunteers and mobile and resident staff from doing their utmost to provide much­ needed relief.

We, as the ICRC, building on our strong mandate and long-standing presence, remain fully committed to protecting and assisting the people of Gaza. The ICRC continues to remind parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law through our bilateral and confidential dialogue. We continue to urgently appeal for the protection of civilians, humanitarian workers, medical personnel and journalists.

For my own part, I have been working relentlessly and wholeheartedly on the humanitarian diplomatic front to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law, protect civilians and enable urgently needed humanitarian assistance to flow - unimpeded and at scale - into Gaza. The Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law is a key part of these efforts, as it is states that are accountable and expected to comply with the law.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to offer you and your staff of choice a thorough briefing on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and our overall response. The ICRC regional director for the Near and Middle East will provide the briefing, supported by our delegation in Iran.

Yours sincerely,

Mirjana Spoljaric