Rules of War Are Ignored in Iraq, Says Red Cross

GENEVA — The International Committee of the Red Cross is "deeply concerned" about the killing of noncombatants in Iraq, operations director Pierre Kraehenbuehl said in a statement released late Friday. He stressed that international law prohibits killing anyone who is not actively taking part in fighting.

"As hostilities continue in Fallouja and elsewhere, every day seems to bring news of yet another act of utter contempt for the most basic tenet of humanity: the obligation to protect human life and dignity," Kraehenbuehl said. "We are deeply concerned by the devastating impact that the fighting in Iraq is having on the people of that country."

He also said that all parties must provide adequate medical care for the wounded — regardless of the side they fight on — and that hostage-taking was forbidden in all circumstances.

"If these rules or any other applicable rules of international humanitarian law are violated, the persons responsible must be held accountable for their actions," Kraehenbuehl said.


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