International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral and independent humanitarian organization mandated to protect and assist victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. Founded in 1863, it operates worldwide, promoting international humanitarian law (IHL) and alleviating suffering. The ICRC is newsworthy due to the escalating conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the war between Israel and Iran, and the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The ICRC President, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, has publicly called for the enforcement of IHL, emphasizing that attacks on civilian populations have become a tactic of warfare. The organization's staff are witnessing firsthand the fear and uncertainty experienced by civilians. In Gaza, the ICRC is involved in efforts to help families search for missing loved ones amidst the devastation, highlighting the dire humanitarian consequences of the conflict and the ICRC's crucial role in providing assistance and advocating for adherence to humanitarian principles.