Kabul/Geneva (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is deeply shocked by the bombing of the MSF hospital in Kunduz, and strongly condemns such violence against patients, medical workers and facilities.

Following Medecins Sans Frontieres’ confirmation of the bombing of the Trauma Center in Kunduz, in which three MSF staff died, Jean-Nicolas Marti, Head of the ICRC delegation in Afghanistan, said: “This is an appalling tragedy. Such attacks against health workers and facilities undermine the capacity of humanitarian organizations to assist the Afghan people at a time when they most urgently need it.”

Jean-Nicolas Marti added: “Neutral and impartial humanitarian assistance is crucial today in Afghanistan.”

The ICRC’s thoughts are with the families of the victims and with our MSF colleagues, he said.

Two ICRC medical staff had been helping at the hospital since the fighting erupted in Kunduz on 28 September. They were not harmed in the attack.

The ICRC reiterates its calls on all parties to the conflict to ensure the safety of the civilian population, medical staff and facilities.

Under international humanitarian law (IHL), the civilian population, medical personnel, ambulances and medical facilities must be respected and protected in all circumstances, and the work of medical personnel must be facilitated.