Countries: occupied Palestinian territory, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Lebanon Source: International Committee of the Red Cross Geneva (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is deeply alarmed by the latest hostilities in the Middle East and urgently calls for respect of international humanitarian law (IHL). Further escalation in a region already wracked by multiple conflicts risks sparking a broader regional crisis with devastating consequences for all communities, exacerbating existing humanitarian emergencies and displacing more people both within their countries and beyond.Civilians in the Middle East have borne the brunt of repeated crises for decades. What they need most is a respite from armed violence. It is imperative for all actors to prioritize de-escalation and the preservation of human life and dignity. The ICRC urges all parties involved to adhere to IHL, taking constant care to spare the civilian population, civilians and civilian objects.Beyond legal obligations, decisive political action is needed to scale back hostilities that will lead to further suffering and destruction. Urgent diplomatic steps must be taken to bring back stability and safeguard lives.In all conflict-affected areas, we continue engaging with parties to remind them of their obligations under IHL to ensure civilians, medical personnel, and civilian objects, including essential services are protected. We are committed to working with our Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners who have activated emergency preparedness and response teams on the ground and are responding to humanitarian needs.The time to act is now—to prevent further suffering and uphold the fundamental principles of humanity.About the ICRCThe International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, impartial and independent organization with an exclusively humanitarian mandate that stems from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. It helps people around the world affected by armed conflict and other violence, doing everything it can to protect their lives and dignity and to relieve their suffering, often alongside its Red Cross and Red Crescent partners.For more information, please contact:Christian Cardon De Lichtbuer, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41795740564, email : ccardon@icrc.org