GENEVA

The International Committee of the Red Cross on Friday called on states to urgently act on the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, warning that civilians continue to face severe hardship despite recent progress under the ceasefire.

"States must harness the momentum generated by the first phase of the agreement between Israel and Hamas to urgently improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza," ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement.

Over the past 15 weeks, the ICRC helped implement the first phase of the agreement by facilitating the return of hostages, detainees, and remains.

"The international community must now seize every opportunity to scale up efforts that alleviate suffering in Gaza," Spoljaric urged. "This includes easing restrictions on so-called dual-use material and equipment such as water pipes and generators, which are essential for restoring the essential infrastructure people rely on."

According to the ICRC, many residents remain displaced and without basic services, living among rubble during winter conditions. Hospitals, schools, homes, and water systems require urgent repair, while thousands of families are still awaiting information about missing relatives.

"All states and parties to conflict have a responsibility to ensure the boundaries and protections enshrined in international humanitarian law are upheld," Spoljaric said, calling it essential for saving lives, restoring human dignity and lasting peace.