The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed deep concern over Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza, warning that the territory’s already fragile healthcare system is teetering on the brink of collapse. In a statement, the humanitarian agency said it was “deeply alarmed” by the surge in Israeli hostilities in Gaza City and Jabaliya, which have reportedly led to dozens of civilian deaths and injuries in the last 36 hours.
The renewed escalation follows widespread international appeals for a ceasefire, with US President Donald Trump among those urging Israel to agree to a new truce to end the conflict and secure the release of remaining hostages. Despite this, Israeli forces have continued their bombardment, killing several Palestinians, with Gaza’s civil defence authorities reporting that at least 20 people were killed on Tuesday alone.
The Red Cross warned that the ongoing Israeli assault has placed intolerable strain on the few hospitals still operating in Gaza. “Nearly all public hospitals have been shut down or rendered inoperable by months of bombardment and strict limits on the delivery of essential medical supplies and equipment,” it said. The remaining facilities — including the Red Cross’s own field hospital — are overwhelmed by the sheer number of casualties and are running perilously low on fuel, medication, and even body bags.
The ICRC said this dire shortage was severely undermining efforts to treat the wounded and manage the deceased with dignity. The situation is further worsened by repeated mass evacuation orders, which are pushing civilians into increasingly crowded and unsafe areas. These movements are also hampering emergency teams from reaching those in need.
Reiterating its call for the protection of healthcare workers and facilities, the Red Cross urged that medical services in Gaza be spared from further damage and deprivation. The organisation also highlighted the plight of the most vulnerable civilians—including the injured, chronically ill, and people with disabilities—many of whom are physically unable to comply with evacuation demands.
“Civilians who cannot flee must be protected. Safe access to shelter, food, hygiene and healthcare is not a luxury, but a legal and moral imperative,” the Red Cross stressed.
