The ICRC calls on Hamas and Israel to “do everything possible to ensure that civilians are not the first to pay the price” of fighting in Rafah

ICRC spokesperson Fatima Sator denounces an “extremely serious” humanitarian situation.

Fatima Sator, spokesperson for the ICRC (the International Committee of the Red Cross), called on Franceinfo on Tuesday May 7 for Hamas and Israel to “do everything possible so that civilians are not the first to pay the price” fighting in Rafah.

The Israeli army is preparing a military operation in the region, a crossing point from Egypt for military aid where more than a million Gazans are crowded. “As the occupying power, Israel has obligations” according to international military law. “It must ensure that the basic needs of the civilian population are taken care of.” recalled Fatima Sator.

According to the United Nations, in Rafah, there are 1.2 million people taking refuge in 20% of the territory of the Gaza Strip. “To give you an idea, it’s as if we put the population of Marseille in 60 square kilometers”explained Fatima Sator.

The humanitarian situation is “extremely serious”, she explained. “The residents lack everything, are in dire need of food, drinking water, hygiene items, medicines, but also latrines. The situation is extremely worrying,” the ICRC spokesperson is alarmed.

Gazans refugees in the area suffered Israeli bombings on Tuesday: “Every time there have been attacks on Rafah, the consequences have been catastrophic. These are highly populated areas. To be able to spare civilians is an extremely difficult operation.”she estimated.