Mireyana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, has warned of extensive humanitarian consequences if war against Iran resumes, emphasizing that millions of people could face direct dangers as humanitarian crises worsen in both Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.
In an interview with Al Jazeera following her visit to Iran, Spoljaric stated that she aimed to assess humanitarian readiness in the event of renewed fighting, expressing grave concern for the fate of the population.
Details of the Warning
She stated, "If hostilities resume, the situation for civilians in Iran will become very dangerous," noting that targeting civilian infrastructure could affect tens of thousands or even millions of people. She added that any new escalation would not only impact Iran but would extend throughout the region, including neighboring countries, amid threats to essential services such as water and communications.
Spoljaric emphasized that the only way to ensure security for civilian populations is to return to the negotiating table and remain there. In response to a question about the Red Cross's preparations, she confirmed that the organization is working to bolster medical supplies and support the Iranian Red Crescent, but noted the limitations of capabilities under current conditions.
Context and Background
She explained that volunteers are forced to extract trapped individuals from under the rubble by hand, warning that escalating operations will increase risks for humanitarian crews and limit their ability to respond. Regarding the situation in Lebanon, Spoljaric revealed that over one million people have been displaced in just a few weeks, amid widespread destruction affecting villages and residential areas.
She spoke of repeated displacements within a few weeks, with extensive destruction affecting entire villages, noting that many may not be able to return, as entire areas have become uninhabitable. She pointed out the difficulty of accessing hospitals and health infrastructure, explaining that some medical facilities that had been repaired were destroyed again.
Consequences and Impact
The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross expressed concern over the targeting of medical and humanitarian workers, asserting that protecting these individuals is a top priority. She revealed losses among volunteers, indicating that the Iranian and Palestinian Red Crescents, as well as the Lebanese Red Cross, have also lost volunteers, and that targeting these teams directly impacts civilians' ability to receive assistance.
In her assessment of the situation in Gaza, Spoljaric described the territory as "unlivable," pointing to the ongoing harsh humanitarian conditions. She noted that food availability does not meet overall needs, with children being deprived of education, the continued inability to rebuild hospitals, and the absence of debris removal mechanisms.
Impact on the Arab Region
She added that the International Committee of the Red Cross manages a field hospital in the southern Gaza Strip, the only remaining operational facility for over a year, even though such establishments are supposed to be temporary. Spoljaric called for a renewed focus on the humanitarian aspect of dealing with crises, stressing that the numbers do not reflect the extent of suffering and that a statistical approach must be transcended in understanding the reality, being mindful that millions live in a state of prolonged uncertainty.
In conclusion, the humanitarian situation in the region remains alarming, as escalating crises require urgent international response to protect civilians and provide necessary assistance.