The International Committee of the Red Cross has urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, stressing its role in saving lives and ending the relentless toll on civilians.

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric emphasised that her organisation is prepared to act as a neutral intermediary, facilitating the return of hostages and detainees to their families and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in urgent need.

The ICRC has helped secure the release of 148 hostages and nearly 2,000 detainees and overseen the return of human remains so families can mourn with dignity.

Operations are fraught with logistical and security challenges, yet Spoljaric insisted that aid and repatriations be conducted safely and respectfully.

The ICRC, grounded in the Geneva Conventions, continues to provide impartial relief to those affected by conflict worldwide, working to alleviate suffering wherever hostilities disrupt civilian life.