ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric condemned "deliberate threats" to civilians as the Middle East war expands, warning of widespread damage to essential infrastructure. She described unrestricted warfare as "incompatible with the law" and "indefensible." Her comments came amid US threats to strike Iranian bridges and power stations. The ICRC also warned that attacks on nuclear facilities risk "irreversible consequences" and urged all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilians.
Red Cross Chief Condemns 'Deliberate Threats' To Civilians As Middle East War Escalates
'Deliberate threats... against essential civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities must not become the new norm in warfare,' said Spoljaric (JOEL SAGET)(JOEL SAGET/AFP/AFP)
Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), on Monday denounced what she called "deliberate threats" against civilian targets as the Middle East conflict widens.
Speaking without naming any party, Spoljaric warned that there has already been widespread damage to infrastructure that is "essential" for civilian life. She stressed that "any war fought without limits is incompatible with the law" and described such conduct as "indefensible, inhumane and devastating for entire populations."
The ICRC chief's remarks came as tensions rose after US President Donald Trump threatened strikes on Iranian bridges and power stations unless Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.
Widely regarded as a principal guardian of the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC has repeatedly raised concerns about conduct in the hostilities since the conflict began on February 28 with reported US-Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran on Gulf states and Israel.
"Deliberate threats, whether in rhetoric or in action, against essential civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities must not become the new norm in warfare," Spoljaric said.
"Any war fought without limits is incompatible with the law. It is indefensible, inhumane and devastating for entire populations," she added.
Spoljaric described field reports from ICRC teams across the region: power plants, water systems, hospitals, roads, bridges, homes, schools and universities have come under fire. She highlighted particular concern about nuclear facilities, warning that any miscalculation there could have "irreversible consequences for generations to come."
Concluding her statement, Spoljaric urged all parties to "spare civilians and civilian objects in all military operations," reminding states of their obligations under international humanitarian law to respect and ensure respect for the rules of war.
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