ICRC urges Middle East combatants to spare civilians

The International Committee of the Red Cross has called on the parties to the conflict in the Middle East to respect international humanitarian law in view of the increasing number of civilian victims in Lebanon.

The ICRC said in Geneva on Wednesday that international humanitarian law made it clear that care must be taken at all times to spare the civilian population and civilian objects when carrying out military operations, and to distinguish between civilian objects and military targets.

Spokesman Christian Cardon said that "the civilian population will undoubtedly pay the highest price if the conflict escalates further."

The ICRC's work in international armed conflicts aims to uphold and promote international humanitarian law, and is based on the four Geneva Conventions.

The ICRC works with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to provide assistance to the injured and displaced, such as medical supplies for hospitals, as well as food, household products and cash for residents.