Beyza Binnur Donmez
27 March 2026•Update: 27 March 2026
GENEVA
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned Friday that a “devastating pattern of warfare” is eroding civilian life across the Middle East after a month of intense hostilities.
“One month of hostilities has upended the lives of millions and sent shockwaves far beyond the region at a scale and speed that threatens to overwhelm the humanitarian response,” the ICRC said in a statement.
The organization said thousands of people have been killed over the past four weeks, including first responders and humanitarian workers, while hundreds of thousands have been displaced.
Essential infrastructure critical for the supply of energy, water and health care has been damaged or destroyed, it added.
The ICRC also highlighted the impact of heavy explosive weapons used in populated areas.
“The use of heavy explosive weapons with wide area impact in urban settings has caused suffering and fear on a dramatic scale,” it said.
The organization warned that violations of the rules of war are worsening the humanitarian crisis.
“Without respect for the rules of war, civilians will continue to suffer profound consequences that could outlast the current conflict,” it said.
All parties to the conflict, regardless of their side, are bound by international humanitarian law, the ICRC stressed.
Regional escalation has continued since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, which has so far killed more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
