Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), stated in a BBC interview that Gaza has become 'worse than hell on earth,' citing extreme destruction, suffering, and the stripping of human dignity. She emphasized that all parties must respect international humanitarian law and called on states to do more to end the war, suffering, and secure hostage releases.
Gaza now worse than hell on earth, humanitarian chief tells BBC
Middle EastIsrael-Gaza warHumanitarian aid
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), stated in a BBC interview that Gaza has become 'worse than hell on earth,' citing extreme destruction, suffering, and the stripping of human dignity. She emphasized that all parties must respect international humanitarian law and called on states to do more to end the war, suffering, and secure hostage releases.
Trending- 1 More than a century and a half ago: International Red Cross began working to alleviate suffering in wars
- 2 1949: Fourth Geneva Convention adopted
- 3 October 7, 2023: Hamas attacks on Israel (1,200 killed, 251 hostages taken); Israel launched military campaign in Gaza
- 4 Over a year ago: ICRC surgical hospital established in Rafah
- 5 March 18, 2025: Israel resumed its offensive (4,335 killed since then)
- 6 April 2025: Ms. Spoljaric first described Gaza as 'hell on earth'
- 7 Sunday (June 1, 2025): Similar incident of shooting Palestinians at aid distribution site (denied by Israel)
- 8 Tuesday morning (June 3, 2025): ICRC Rafah surgical teams received 184 patients, including 19 dead on arrival, from aid distribution turmoil
- 9 Wednesday (June 4, 2025): Mirjana Spoljaric told BBC Gaza is 'worse than hell on earth'
- Continued humanitarian crisis in Gaza
- Calls for international action and adherence to humanitarian law
- Risk of long-term instability in the region if the conflict continues
- ICRC staff are overwhelmed and at risk while providing aid
What: Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the ICRC, described the situation in Gaza as 'worse than hell on earth' due to extreme suffering and destruction, and called for an end to the war and release of hostages.
When: Interview conducted recently (as of June 4, 2025). Events described happened on Tuesday morning (June 3, 2025) and Sunday (June 1, 2025). Hamas attacks occurred on October 7, 2023.
Where: Gaza Strip, Rafah (ICRC surgical hospital), Geneva (ICRC headquarters).
Why: The ongoing conflict has led to an unprecedented level of destruction, suffering, and a complete disregard for human dignity and international humanitarian law.
How: Through an interview with the BBC, Ms. Spoljaric conveyed the ICRC's assessment and appeal. The ICRC's staff in Gaza provide direct accounts of the situation on the ground.