iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Thomas DSM

ICRC Law & Policy Outreach @icrclawpolicy.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

🤖How do we keep humans in control of the use of force? Meet the panelists, speaking at our 6 Oct. event on regulating autonomous weapons, ahead of the Nov. #CCW Review Conference. 🔗 Register here: bit.ly/46yyIbQ #AutonomousWeapons #MilitaryAI #IHL

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Thomas DSM @thodsm.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

@icrc.org statement at #UN #SecurityCouncil #ArriaFormula meeting on upholding international law in situations of armed conflict. #IHL must be upheld. "Preserving humanity in war by strengthening commitment to IHL" www.icrc.org/en/statement...

icrc.org

Preserving humanity in war by strengthening commitment to IHL

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 14/09/2026

Cluster munitions do not stop harming people when the fighting ends. At the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, ICRC Vice-President Jürg Lauber called for stronger action to prevent this suffering from continuing into the next generation. ms.spr.ly/63321abEEZ

Cluster munitions are a horrible weapon. Ridding areas of these weapons is painstaking, costly and can take decades. Despite the risks they pose, they continue to be produced, transferred and used by States not party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. The challenges are many, but there is space for hope. Since the Convention was adopted nearly 20 years ago, significant progress has been made.Jürg Lauber, ICRC Vice President Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 17/09/2026

Today, we supported the repatriation of the remains of fallen soldiers between Russia and Ukraine, following an agreement between the parties. Each repatriation is a solemn reminder of the human cost of conflict and helps ensure that those who died are treated with dignity. 

For families waiting to know what happened to a missing loved one, the return of their remains can bring painful but important answers.  Today, we supported the repatriation of the remains of fallen soldiers between Russia and Ukraine, following an agreement between the parties.  Since 2022, we supported and observed 68 such repatriations. Each one is a solemn reminder of the human cost of conflict and an important step towards identifying the dead.  Confirmation that a loved one has died is devastating. But after a long period of uncertainty, it can also allow families to mourn and lay their loved one to rest with dignity. Families have the right to know the fate of their missing loved ones. We remain committed to supporting efforts to ensure that the dead are treated with dignity.

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

ICRC Law & Policy Outreach @icrclawpolicy.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

How can non-state armed groups help prevent people from going missing and ensure the dignified treatment of the dead? Highlights of the ICRC event “Protecting Missing Persons in Armed Conflict” are now available. ▶️ Watch here: bit.ly/4y6Y2Bd

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 03/08/2026

Arnaud de Baecque, ICRC’s head of delegation in Myanmar, visited Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 3 August 2026. As is customary in our detention work, observations & recommendations related to the visit are shared exclusively & confidentially with the detaining authorities. ms.spr.ly/63322a8l3w

Arnaud de Baecque, ICRC’s head of delegation in Myanmar, visited Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 3 August 2026. The visit was carried out in accordance with our standards and procedures for visiting people deprived of liberty. This included the opportunity to speak with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in private. In line with our working methods, detention visits provide people deprived of liberty with the opportunity to exchange news with their families. As is customary in the ICRC’s detention work, observations and recommendations related to the visit are shared exclusively and confidentially with the detaining authorities.

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

ICRC Law & Policy Outreach @icrclawpolicy.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

When conflict goes digital, new threats to civilian arise. In a new ICRC working paper, we identify six ICT-related threats facing civilians in armed conflict. Read the working paper here: bit.ly/4wTjwkF

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International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 13/07/2026

Attention researchers and practitioners! The International Review of the Red Cross calls for papers on 'Protection of Civilians and International Humanitarian Law in the Age of Artificial Intelligence'. Submit by 1 September 2026. Read more: ms.spr.ly/63323v0gYl

Call for Papers: “Protection of Civilians and International Humanitarian Law in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 24/06/2026

As AI's role in warfare grows, so does the urgency to regulate it. We cannot allow life-and-death decisions to drift beyond meaningful human control. @corduladroege.bsky.social, ICRC's chief legal officer, explains 👇🏽

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Thomas DSM @thodsm.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

How international humanitarian law regulates artificial intelligence in the military domain? AI in autonomous weapons, decision-support systems, cyber operations: What are the risks? Click on the link below and note: humans remain accountable. www.icrc.org/en/arti... #AI #IHL

icrc.org

Frequently asked questions: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the military domain

An arms race is underway in the development and deployment of new technologies in warfare, including artificial intelligence (AI). Rather than making battlefields safer for civilians, these technologies often increase risks and cause significant harm.

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 08/05/2026

Today is World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, and it comes at a moment of profound alarm. Read more on ICRC and IFRC's joint statement: ms.spr.ly/63322v3VfC

On this 8 May, we call on all those with influence and responsibility to uphold the protections that civilians, medical personnel, humanitarian workers and communities depend on. Respect for the emblems, for humanitarian rules and principles, is therefore essential. Today, we also say to colleagues across our Movement: we see you, we thank you and we stand with you. At a time when division, violence and disregard for human suffering are testing the limits, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement remains united in humanity.”

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Thomas DSM @thodsm.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

#Iran - "The humanitarian cost of a region at war is not one the world can absorb. Millions of lives depend on the political will to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians" - #IHL

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja @cicr-es.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

La situación en Haití puede ser calificada como “la peor crisis humanitaria del hemisferio occidental”, señala Marisela Silva Chau, jefa de la delegación del CICR en ese país, en una entrevista con Univisión. Mira la entrevista completa en ms.spr.ly/63322vDqK6

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

Matt Pollard @mpollard.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

My @icrc.org colleague Wen Zhou highlights key humanitarian & legal questions arising from information & communications technologies in armed conflict. She reflects on efforts by states & others to uphold the protections afforded by #IHL & strengthen its implementation. @icrclawpolicy.bsky.social

blogs.icrc.org

Upholding IHL protections against the risks of ICT activities in armed conflict

Exploring how international humanitarian law applies to ICT activities in armed conflict, and how civilians can be protected in digital warfare.

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

Cédric Cotter @cedcotter.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

The ICRC is looking for a historian! careers.icrc.org/job-invite/3... This is a great position focusing on absolutely fascinating and meaningful topics.

careers.icrc.org

Historian

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Thomas DSM @thodsm.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

"All parties, regardless of the side they are on, are bound by international humanitarian law (IHL), and all states have an obligation to respect and ensure respect for IHL, even if their adversary does not."

icrc.org

Middle East: Hostilities are eroding the foundations of civilian life

Geneva (ICRC) - A devastating pattern of warfare is eroding the foundations of civilian life in the Middle East.

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

Cordula Droege @corduladroege.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

In the Middle East, civilians pay the human cost of the escalation. All parties, regardless of the side they are on, are bound by international humanitarian law. And all States have an obligation to respect and ensure respect for #IHL. These rules👇 www.icrc.org/en/article/f...

icrc.org

Frequently Asked Questions: IHL and the escalating conflict in the Middle East

Considering the many international armed conflicts around the world, including the latest escalations in the Middle East, the following seeks to recall some of the important principles and rules of in...

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 21/03/2026

Energy infrastructure benefits from a presumption of civilian status. In case of doubt, if a pipeline or refinery contributes to military action, it must be treated as a civilian object, not the other way around 👇🏽

Oil refineries, gas pipelines and fuel networks are civilian objects. They are protected under international humanitarian law (IHL) and attacking them is prohibited, regardless of their economic value to an adversary, unless they qualify as a military objective. The rules of war also prohibit disproportionate attacks, where expected incidental civilian harm (including due to fuel scarcity, loss of heat, hospital outages, among others) exceeds the direct and concrete military advantage anticipated. The anticipated advantages that are not military but solely economic, financial, or political are irrelevant under IHL.

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 02/03/2026

"Widening hostilities across the Middle East are putting civilian lives in grave danger. Without urgent steps to de-escalate the situation and respect the rules of war, further civilian lives will be lost." Mirjana Spoljaric, ICRC president: ms.spr.ly/63329QdvPP

"Widening hostilities across the Middle East are putting civilian lives in grave danger. The scale of major military operations flaring across the Middle East risks embroiling the region – and beyond – into another large-scale armed conflict that will overwhelm any humanitarian response. Without urgent steps to de-escalate the situation and respect the rules of war, further civilian lives will be lost. Civilians are already suffering the consequences of war. All parties to armed conflict have an obligation to uphold the rules of war, which are unequivocal. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be spared from hostilities. Schools must remain sanctuaries for learning where children can feel safe and protected from attacks, and hospitals must remain sanctuaries for saving lives. Medical personnel and first responders, such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, must be protected in all circumstances and be able to carry out their work safely. All parties must allow and facilitate safe and unrestricted access for impartial humanitarian assistance to reach those in need."

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

Cordula Droege @corduladroege.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Excellent opportunity to work with a great team @icrc.org 👇 careers.icrc.org/job/Geneva-%...

careers.icrc.org

Head of Policy & Research Unit

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

Cordula Droege @corduladroege.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

The @icrc.org Advisory Service on International Humanitarian Law #IHL supports states in translating their international obligations into domestic legislation, policy and practice to create a universal culture of compliance with #IHL. Here’s how👇 youtu.be/bPJT2H4czj4

youtu.be

What is the ICRC Advisory Service? | International Humanitarian Law

YouTube video by International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

Jean-Marie Henckaerts @jhenckaertsicrc.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

A brand new blog symposium on a brand new Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention. The previous commentary dated from 1956, 70 years ago! A few things happened since then …

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

ICRC Law & Policy Outreach @icrclawpolicy.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

⚖️We're delighted to co-host a joint symposium with @justsecurity.org and @ejiltalk.bsky.social on the updated @icrc.org Commentary on the GC IV. Following 5 years of research, it consolidates 70+ years of law and practice to guide civilian protection today. Read more → bit.ly/3OiPkOU

bit.ly

Protecting civilians in good faith: a joint symposium on the updated ICRC Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention

When law is read in good faith, it becomes a shield. GC IV’s purpose is simple: protect human beings in war.

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

Cordula Droege @corduladroege.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

The harder it is, the more urgent it becomes. The Global #IHL Initiative announces that the High-Level Conference on Humanity in War will take place in Jordan Q4 2026. Leaders must show political courage to defend the rules of war. icrc.org/en/statement/g… #GenevaConventions

icrc.org

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Etienne Kuster @etiennekuster.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

📢 Attention researchers and students! Just because your favorite AI chatbot 🤖 says something, doesn’t mean it’s true! This applies to #IHL and #ICRC sources too. Stay critical and informed! More info 👇 Please check and share widely! #ScientificResearch #SearchEthics #Reliability #SourceCheck

icrc.org

Important notice: AI-generated archival and legal references

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Thomas DSM @thodsm.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

How international humanitarian law protects the dead & their families during and after armed conflicts + key practical recommendations for States and parties to conflict. #IHL Important article by my colleagues Helen Obregón & @ximenalondono.bsky.social:

international-review.icrc.org

Dignity in death: International humanitarian law and the protection of the deceased in war

Helen Obregón Gieseken: Senior Legal Adviser, International Committee of the

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

ICRC Law & Policy Outreach @icrclawpolicy.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

🏥 Even when #hospitals aren’t attacked, supply restrictions can quietly shut them down. Today’s post looks at what #IHL requires to keep medical facilities functioning, from allowing medical consignments to enabling essential services. Read more: bit.ly/4o97XkB

bit.ly

Reaffirming the obligation to protect medical facilities and support their functioning

Does IHL create an obligation to ensure that medical facilities receive adequate supplies? If so, what practical measures are required?

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

Cordula Droege @corduladroege.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

“What kind of warfare are we prepared to accept?” @ICRC President warns that explosive weapons with wide-area effects should be avoided in populated areas. Civilian harm is predictable — and preventable. 🔗 icrc.org/en/statement... #EWIPA #IHL #ProtectionOfCivilians #UrbanWarfare

icrc.org

ICRC president: Use of explosive weapons in populated areas requires a collective response

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International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 11/11/2025

For the next two days, 900 families across 50 countries will gather to transform pain into purpose in the International Conference for Families of Missing Persons. Learn more here: missingpersons.icrc.org/events/watch...

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 11/11/2025

Under the rules of war, parties to conflicts must help families find answers about missing loved ones. @corduladroege.bsky.social, ICRC's chief legal officer, explains what this means in practical terms for families 👇🏽

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Cordula Droege @corduladroege.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

The use of artificial intelligence #AI in armed conflict detention is no longer a distant prospect. To be compliant with international humanitarian law #IHL, it must remain human-centred and follow clear principles and safeguards.

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Thomas DSM @thodsm.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

Sudan: Leaders must now show political courage to stop the killing and ensure that parties to the conflict return to the rules of war. All states have the obligation not only to uphold international humanitarian law in their own conduct but also to ensure that others do the same.

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

ICRC Law & Policy Outreach @icrclawpolicy.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

📅 The “From Hackers to Tech Companies: IHL and the Involvement of Civilians in ICT Activities in Armed Conflict” event is happening next week! Join this interactive expert discussion on key legal questions to limit civilian involvement & prevent IHL violations. 🔗 Register now → bit.ly/48EZ0ev

bit.ly

EVENT: From Hackers to Tech Companies: IHL and the Involvement of Civilians in ICT Activities in Armed Conflict

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Cordula Droege @corduladroege.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

The fundamental principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are practical tools necessary to carry out our humanitarian mission. States parties to the Geneva Conventions are bound at all times to respect our adherence to these Principles. blogs.icrc.org/law-and-poli...

blogs.icrc.org

Sixty years on: why the Fundamental Principles must be lived, not just remembered

The Fundamental Principles are living commitments that must be exercised and defended, to keep humanity alive in the darkest of times.

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

Cordula Droege @corduladroege.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

📢Watch here the launch of the progress report of the Global initiative to galvanize political commitment for international humanitarian law - the product of consultations with 130 states, expert meetings and events around the world: #IHL youtube.com/live/-SzsS0NHG… via @YouTube

youtube.com

YouTube

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 15/10/2025

Israel and the Occupied Territories | Last night, we facilitated the transfer of four deceased hostages to Israeli authorities. Our teams also facilitated the transfer of 45 deceased Palestinians to Gaza. Read more: ms.spr.ly/63326s4Tdn

"We know that the families won't give up on their loved ones, and neither will we – we are prepared to fulfil our role for as long as it takes, and as agreed by the parties. It is the responsibility of the parties to search for, collect, and evacuate human remains. The parties must endeavor to facilitate the return of the remains of the deceased to their families. The ICRC can fulfil its functions as a neutral intermediary only through the cooperation of all actors, and within the framework of the current agreement.”

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International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 14/10/2025

We urge the dignified management of the deceased as we continue the operations to facilitate the transfer of human remains as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel & Hamas. Families grieving the loss of their loved ones have already endured unimaginable pain. ms.spr.ly/63322sNSsC

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International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 13/10/2025

Today, we facilitated the safe return of 20 hostages to Israeli authorities & 1,809 Palestinian detainees to Gaza and the West Bank. We call for the continued implementation of the agreement to allow families to receive their loved ones for dignified burial. Read more: www.icrc.org/en/news-rele...

Today, we facilitated the safe return of 20 hostages to Israeli authorities and 1,809 Palestinian detainees to Gaza and the West Bank. Our teams also transferred the remains of four deceased hostages to Israeli authorities. We stand ready to further support the transfer of remains of the deceased, as per the agreement between the parties. Relevant actors must abide by their commitments to uphold human dignity, and end the pain and suffering endured by so many.

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Thomas DSM @thodsm.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

The @icrc.org has started a multi-phase complex operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages and detainees as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, at the request of the parties. It is crucial to reuniting separated families. www.icrc.org/en/news...

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ICRC Law & Policy Outreach @icrclawpolicy.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

📢 Call for Papers “Before War: Prepare to Comply with IHL” The #IRRC welcomes anyone interested in submitting a proposal by 1 December 2025, exploring preparedness during peacetime for compliance with #IHL Submit your abstract: bit.ly/4811ow1 @icrc.org #Research

bit.ly

Call for Papers: “Before War: Prepare to Comply with International Humanitarian Law”

Call for Papers: “Before War: Prepare to Comply with International Humanitarian Law” Deadline for Submission of Abstract: 01 December 2025 Decision whether Abstract has been selected: 20 December 2025...

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

Cordula Droege @corduladroege.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

You can find information on the Global Initiative to galvanise political commitment for #IHL at www.upholdhumanityinwar.org/documentation, including ✅ Workstreams ✅ Next events and consultations ✅ Statements from states in previous consultations

upholdhumanityinwar.org

Humanity in War

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Cordula Droege @corduladroege.bsky.social · 21/09/2025

In the face of egregious and widespread violations of international humanitarian law in conflicts around the world, we need to act. Leaders of 🇿🇦🇧🇷🇨🇳🇫🇷🇯🇴🇰🇿 together with @ICRC urge States and the international community to uphold the #GenevaConevntions www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-fo...

diplomatie.gouv.fr

World leaders united in defence of international humanitarian law to uphold humanity in war (21 September 2025)

Alarmed by widespread violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) in conflicts around the world and the resulting unconscionable human (…)

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Thomas DSM @thodsm.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Self-defense groups play an important role in today’s conflicts. This raises serious risks. What are the legal obligations coming with the use of self-defense groups by parties to armed conflict, or when they act independently? How to ensure respect for IHL and better protection of civilians?

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Reposted by Thomas DSM

International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 26/08/2025

📍Gaza | It is unacceptable for a health facility like Nasser Medical Complex to be damaged in a strike and for medical personnel, journalists, patients & first responders to be killed and injured. Medical facilities, civilians, journalists & first responders must be protected.

Nasser Medical Complex (NMC) is one of the last major hospitals still operating in southern Gaza, and provides critical and specialized medical care to thousands of patients in an area where few medical facilities remain amid ongoing hostilities. For a health facility like NMC to be damaged in a strike on Monday morning, and for medical personnel, journalists, patients and first responders to be killed and injured as a result of this, is unacceptable. Such strikes cause death and destruction, and jeopardize vital lifelines for patients who have few sanctuaries left. NMC is a referral hospital for the Red Cross Field Hospital and other medical units. It is crucial to guarantee its continued operation and accessibility for both medical personnel and patients. We reiterate that under international humanitarian law, medical facilities, civilians, and first responders must be respected and protected. All feasible steps must be taken to support their work and ensure their safety. We urgently call for the respect and protection of those who play essential roles in safeguarding life and dignity amidst armed conflict.

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Thomas DSM @thodsm.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

“If states invest in defence, they must also budget for international humanitarian law. (…) IHL is only as strong as leaders’ will to uphold it" @icrc.org President www.icrc.org/en/news...

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International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 08/08/2025

We welcome the recent ceasefire announced by Thailand and Cambodia, and we reiterate our readiness to conduct further detainee visits. This week, our team was able to visit 18 Cambodian POWs detained in Thailand. We stand ready to continue supporting. Read more: ms.spr.ly/63329sOyyl

We welcome the recent ceasefire announced by Thailand and Cambodia, and we reiterate our readiness to conduct further detainee visits. The announcement follows recent hostilities along the countries’ joint border that resulted in deaths, injuries, displacement of persons, and damage to key infrastructure. The ceasefire offers some respite to those affected by the hostilities, which saw families flee their homes, lose loved ones, and access to necessities. We are ready to support both nations to carry out similar future detainee visits and act as a neutral intermediary in any planned releases. Also, we stand ready to scale up our support as needed and urge continued respect for IHL, which includes access to persons detained in relation to the conflict.

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International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 08/08/2025

📍 Gaza | Since May 27, the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah has treated over 4,500 weapon-wounded patients, most of whom said they were reaching food distribution sites when injured. It is unacceptable that people are being injured and killed while trying to feed their families.

Since May 27, the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah has treated more than 4,500 weapon-wounded patients, most of whom reported they were attempting to reach food distribution sites when they were injured. Since the opening of these food distribution sites, there have been more than 30 mass casualty incidents received at the field hospital. It is unacceptable that people are being injured and killed while simply trying to feed their families. Civilians in Gaza must have access to food, water, medical and hygiene supplies, and other essentials to live in dignity. At the same time, a rapid and unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza must be allowed and facilitated. Impartial humanitarian organizations with decades of experience must be enabled to operate in line with their mandates, principles, and working modalities. We cannot allow an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis to deteriorate further. Countless lives hang in the balance.

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