Gaza: A collapse of the Gaza ceasefire agreement could lead to renewed devastation in the region, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned Sunday.
The ceasefire has “saved countless lives and provided a glimmer of hope amid immense suffering” and “is essential to prevent the region from plunging back into despair,” ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement.
“As a neutral humanitarian mediator, the ICRC has worked week after week to advance the ceasefire by implementing safe and critical releases at the request of the concerned parties,” she said, voicing the ICRC’s unwavering commitment to facilitating the safe return of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
She urged all sides to make every effort to sustain the ceasefire, allow humanitarian aid to continue entering Gaza, and prevent further hostilities.
Earlier, on Saturday, the 42-day initial phase of the three-stage agreement between Hamas and Israel expired, with no breakthrough announced for its next phase.
