The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday that it was deeply concerned about the latest escalation of violence affecting the Gaza Strip and nearby Israeli towns.
"In recent days there has been an alarming intensification of the fighting and, once again, civilians on both sides -- including children -- are bearing the brunt," the Geneva-based humanitarian agency said in a statement.
"The ICRC calls on all parties to exercise restraint, and reminds them of the obligation to comply with international humanitarian law at all times," it said.
According to the agency, numerous rockets have been fired at the Israeli towns of Ashkelon and Sderot. At the same time, Israeli armed forces have carried out several air strikes inside the Gaza Strip.
On both sides, there have been civilian fatalities and injuries.
The international humanitarian law "requires a clear distinction to be drawn between the civilian population and military objectives," the statement said.
"It strictly prohibits attacks that are indiscriminate or directed against civilians and civilian objects, and stipulates that medical facilities and personnel must be respected and protected," it added.
Source: Xinhua
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