The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed deep concern over the continued harm to humanitarian and medical workers in Lebanon.
In an issued statement on Monday, the organization highlighted incidents including the killing and injury of first responders while carrying out life-saving duties. Among those cited was Lebanese Red Cross volunteer Hassan Badawi, who was martyred on Sunday during a humanitarian mission in the Bint Jbeil district. The ICRC also reported that an affiliated Red Cross center in the Tyre district was damaged as a result of airstrikes.
Agnès Durand, Head of the ICRC delegation in Lebanon, stated that the loss of individuals dedicated to saving others is deeply alarming, particularly due to its impact on civilians who depend on their assistance. She offered her condolences to the victims’ families, colleagues, and all those affected, emphasizing that saving lives should never come at the cost of losing one’s own.
Durand called for the protection of humanitarian and medical personnel, and for ensuring their safe access to the wounded and return to their bases.
She added that humanitarian and medical workers continue to operate on the front lines daily, fulfilling their duty to assist the injured and support communities affected by ongoing hostilities. Despite increasing risks, volunteers and staff within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement persist in delivering vital aid across the country. She stressed that they must be able to perform their work safely, without fear of attack or obstruction.
Finally, the ICRC renewed its urgent appeal to all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. It called for the respect and protection of medical facilities, personnel, ambulances, hospitals, and medical units, as well as for facilitating humanitarian missions and ensuring safe, unimpeded access to the wounded and secure passage for emergency teams.
In an issued statement on Monday, the organization highlighted incidents including the killing and injury of first responders while carrying out life-saving duties. Among those cited was Lebanese Red Cross volunteer Hassan Badawi, who was martyred on Sunday during a humanitarian mission in the Bint Jbeil district. The ICRC also reported that an affiliated Red Cross center in the Tyre district was damaged as a result of airstrikes.
Agnès Durand, Head of the ICRC delegation in Lebanon, stated that the loss of individuals dedicated to saving others is deeply alarming, particularly due to its impact on civilians who depend on their assistance. She offered her condolences to the victims’ families, colleagues, and all those affected, emphasizing that saving lives should never come at the cost of losing one’s own.
Durand called for the protection of humanitarian and medical personnel, and for ensuring their safe access to the wounded and return to their bases.
She added that humanitarian and medical workers continue to operate on the front lines daily, fulfilling their duty to assist the injured and support communities affected by ongoing hostilities. Despite increasing risks, volunteers and staff within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement persist in delivering vital aid across the country. She stressed that they must be able to perform their work safely, without fear of attack or obstruction.
Finally, the ICRC renewed its urgent appeal to all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. It called for the respect and protection of medical facilities, personnel, ambulances, hospitals, and medical units, as well as for facilitating humanitarian missions and ensuring safe, unimpeded access to the wounded and secure passage for emergency teams.
