Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), reaffirmed the ICRC’s readiness to implement the agreement to reunite families across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory and to deliver additional aid to Gaza.
During her five-day visit to Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, Spoljaric stated in Jerusalem: “We are prepared to facilitate any release operation agreed upon by the parties, ensuring that hostages and detainees can return home. We are also ready to significantly scale up our humanitarian response in Gaza, where the situation demands it. This will require ongoing effort from the parties to guarantee that our teams can operate safely and effectively.”
She emphasized the immense suffering experienced by Palestinians and Israelis, saying: “There are no words to describe the level of suffering that Palestinians and Israelis endure daily. This nightmare has persisted for far too long. The suffering must end. Civilians in Gaza need protection and humanitarian aid. Hostages need to come home. This is only possible with political commitment from all sides to prioritize humanity and respect the rules of war.”
Spoljaric expressed hope that the agreement represents a new beginning, stating: “Civilian lives must be protected, and their needs prioritized. The coming days are critical, and we rely on the parties to uphold their commitments. While the agreement is a positive step, it is not the end. There are immense humanitarian needs that must be addressed, which will take months, if not years.”
As a neutral intermediary, the ICRC has previously facilitated the release of 109 hostages and 154 detainees, operations requiring meticulous logistical and security planning to minimize risks.
The ICRC maintains a constant presence in Gaza and urges all parties to comply with international humanitarian law, including protecting civilians and health-care facilities. The organization also stresses the importance of accessing detention facilities and maintaining confidential dialogue with the parties.
During her visit, Spoljaric met with families of hostages and plans to meet with families of Palestinian detainees. She also visited several locations within Gaza and Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel.
Spoljaric met with senior Israeli authorities in Jerusalem and is set to meet with Palestinian Authority officials in the West Bank. Her visit includes meetings with the leadership of the Palestine Red Crescent Society and Magen David Adom.
