By Nour Mahd Ali Abuaisha and Betul Yilmaz
ISTANBUL (AA) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) called Sunday for immediate political action to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after two years of a devastating Israeli war.
“For two years, the civilian population has endured death, forced displacement, and the denial of dignity on a devastating level. We have seen humanity hollowed out in Gaza,” Sarah Avrillaud, head of ICRC’s Sub-Delegation in Gaza, said in a video statement on the US social media company X.
“Thousands of Palestinians have been separated from their families, and many remain missing,” Avrillaud said, noting that constant displacements also hinder many patients’ recovery.
She said that remaining essential services are unable to meet the needs of Gaza’s population, as many of them are deprived of regular and safe access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and health services.
“Humanitarian organizations alone cannot meet the ever-increasing needs of civilians,” Avrillaud said, stressing the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza to ensure “the rapid and unimpeded entry and passage of humanitarian assistance.”
“Lives can be saved, but civilians can't afford to wait. They need political action now,” she added.
On Sept. 29, US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point Gaza plan, including the release of all Israeli captives within 72 hours of Israel’s approval, a ceasefire, and the disarmament of Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Saturday that he had instructed his negotiating team to travel to Egypt for talks expected to last several days.
The move came after Hamas on Friday submitted a response to Trump’s plan, agreeing to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and deceased.
The Israeli army has killed over 67,100 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has rendered the enclave uninhabitable and led to starvation and the spread of diseases.