The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has announced a temporary suspension of its operation at its Gaza City office, relocating staff to satellite offices in Southern Gaza to ensure staff safety and operational continuity.

The humanitarian organization in a statement on Wednesday said the decision was necessitated by intensifying military operations in Gaza City, lamenting how first responders, including the Palestine Red Crescent Society and Civil Defence, had their movement to safely reach the civilian population, severely constrained.

Restating its commitment despite the constraint, ICRC stated that it would  continue to offer its humanitarian services from extension offices in Deir al-Balah and Rafah, which would remain operational.

Emphasizing that lives can still be saved, the international organisation demanded cessation of hostilities, describing it as ‘imperative and urgent.’

“Over the past two weeks, the ICRC has provided the few remaining hospitals and health-care centres in Gaza City with life-saving medical supplies as they received a surge in weapon-wounded patients,” ICRC stated.

It noted, “We supported baking facilities in 14 displacement camps that provide 45,000 loaves of bread per day. ICRC teams provided water tanks, trucking services, and supported water and wastewater network repairs alongside local service providers.”

ICRC also charged Israel against attempts at blocking the passage of humanitarian assistance across the Gaza trip, as thousands of people are still embroiled in harrowing conditions.

“Under international humanitarian law, civilians must be protected whether they stay or leave Gaza City. Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to ensure their basic needs are met,” it said.