The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma met with International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric yesterday, joined by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Deputy Secretary Verma and ICRC President Spoljaric emphasized the importance of ICRC’s neutral, impartial, independent humanitarian response to civilian victims of conflict, and that parties to conflict must adhere to international humanitarian law. In reference to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Deputy Secretary and ICRC President both reiterated the call for the immediate release of all hostages and highlighted the need for the ICRC to be granted access to the remaining hostages to check on their wellbeing, facilitate family contact, and provide medical assistance. They recognized the urgency to strengthen civilian protections and humanitarian access throughout Gaza and the West Bank, including to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance and restoration of basic services in Gaza. The Deputy Secretary thanked ICRC for delivering life-saving assistance to and protection of civilians, which they do at great personal risk.
Official news published at https://www.state.gov/deputy-secretary-vermas-meeting-with-international-committee-of-the-red-cross-president-spoljaric/
