International Red Cross condemns ambulance attacks in Mideast violence

In a joint statement, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies appealed to both sides to respect the protection of civilians rescue workers under the Geneva Conventions. "Whenever force is used the principle of proportionality has to be applied, and all necessary measures have to be taken to avoid loss of life, injury or damage to protected civilians and to civilian property," they said. Both those societies earlier this week appealed for respect for their workers. The international Red Cross stressed that "the wounded must be assisted and all medical personnel must be allowed to carry out their lifesaving tasks."
The statement added that more than 70 people have been killed and more than 2,000 wounded in the violence that broke out last week.

(AP)