GENEVA

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Monday stated that a lasting ceasefire in Gaza is essential to ending the cycle of violence and civilian suffering, pledging readiness to help reunite families and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.

"A lasting ceasefire is critical to saving lives and breaking the cycle of death and destruction," ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement. "Our teams are ready to act as a neutral humanitarian intermediary to help bring hostages and detainees back to their families. We are also prepared to bring aid into Gaza and distribute it safely to civilians in desperate need."

The humanitarian organization stressed the plight of both Israeli and Palestinian families, noting that hostages remain in captivity while thousands of Palestinian detainees are still in custody. "Their families anxiously await their release," the ICRC said.

Civilians in Gaza, meanwhile, face "unimaginable suffering" due to relentless hostilities and severe restrictions on life-saving aid, the ICRC said, adding that humanitarian assistance must be restored at full capacity and distributed safely to those most in need.

Since October 2023, the ICRC has facilitated the release of 148 hostages and 1,931 detainees, as well as the return of human remains, enabling families to mourn with dignity.