The Red Cross Recognizes Israel’s “Legitimate Security Concerns” to Keep the Gaza Concentration Camp Sealed

By Norman Finkelstein
Global Research, April 12, 2018
Norman G. Finkelstein 9 April 2018
Region:
Theme:

Featured image: The ICRC in Gaza. (Source: CC BY-NC-ND / ICRC / Mohamed Zarandah)

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is concerned about the human toll of the violence on the border of Gaza and Israel, in particular, the high number of casualties.

On 30 March, following the violent events which took place in Gaza at multiple locations along the border fence with Israel, approximately 1500 people required medical assistance, with approximately 800 injuries resulting from the use of live ammunition.

“The human toll demonstrates the importance for all sides to take all possible precautions to minimise exposure to harm and casualties among the civilian population,” said Fabrice Edouard, acting head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Gaza. “We recognize Israel’s security concerns, yet it is imperative that lethal force only be used as a last resort and when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life.”

The ICRC takes note of the strong emergency response of Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), also made possible through the continued ICRC facilitation with all parties of its ambulance and personnel movements.

The ICRC also provides material and technical support to the PRCS and hospitals in Gaza in their emergency response.

“The influx of casualties is also straining an over-burdened and under-resourced medical system,”  Edouard added.

To date, the ICRC has donated urgent surgical equipment, drugs and disposables, and mobility devices required for the comprehensive treatment of more than 800 patients.

As part of its work, the ICRC  acts as a neutral intermediary and maintains a confidential dialogue with all relevant authorities and security forces to try to minimise the impact of violence on civilians and preserve a humanitarian space where health care workers can operate safely.
Articles by: Norman Finkelstein

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are of sole responsibility of the author(s). The Centre for Research on Globalization will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in this article. The Centre of Research on Globalization grants permission to cross-post Global Research articles on community internet sites as long the source and copyright are acknowledged together with a hyperlink to the original Global Research article. For publication of Global Research articles in print or other forms including commercial internet sites, contact: [email protected]

www.globalresearch.ca contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available to our readers under the provisions of "fair use" in an effort to advance a better understanding of political, economic and social issues. The material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving it for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes other than "fair use" you must request permission from the copyright owner.

For media inquiries: [email protected]