The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday that it was gravely concerned about the plight of civilians caught up in hostilities in Lebanon and Israel.

"The ICRC is following the military developments in Lebanon and northern Israel with great concern, as these events are having a serious impact on civilians," the Geneva-based humanitarian agency said in a statement.

It also called upon Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah, the two parties involved in the conflict, to fully comply with the rules and principles of international law.

According to latest reports, almost 50 civilians have been killed inside Lebanon as a result of bombing and rocket attacks. Military action in the south of the country has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads and major bridges.

Besides, several civilians were killed and dozens of people were injured when Hezbollah fired rockets into cities in northern Israel.

In the statement, the ICRC reminded the parties to the conflict that it was illegal to attack civilians who were not directly involved in the hostilities and that it was illegal to attack civilian property.

It further reminded the parties of their obligation to exercise precaution and to respect the principle of proportionality in all military operations, so as to prevent unnecessary suffering among the civilian population.

Source: Xinhua