GAZA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- The densely populated Gaza Strip, home to over 2 million people, continues to see civilians bearing the brunt of relentless attacks and strikes, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Monday.

"Civilians continue to pay a heavy price for the attacks and strikes in Gaza," said Adrian Zimmermann, head of ICRC's sub-delegation in Gaza, in a press statement.

He added, "Last night, once again, we witnessed a staggering number of casualties caused by these attacks across all governorates of Gaza." He noted that the number of those killed and injured in the attacks keeps rising, "deepening the suffering."

"Many remain trapped under the rubble," he continued, "and this comes in the wake of new evacuation orders that further expose civilians to increased suffering and risks." He mentioned that civilians are now searching for shelter, warmth, and food amid low temperatures.

He called on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians in Gaza and ensure their safety, emphasizing that international humanitarian law includes obligations of distinction, proportionality, and precaution during attacks, and these principles must be upheld as long as "hostilities continue."

He stressed that all parties to the conflict bear a constant responsibility to "spare civilians the effects of hostilities and ensure their respect and protection."

During the past 24 hours, the Israeli military killed 52 people and wounded 203 others, bringing the total death toll to 45,028 and injuries to 106,962 since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out in early October 2023, according to the statement released by Gaza's health authorities on Monday. Enditem

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