Paris, August 14 (RHC)-- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says that the Geneva Conventions – which were established to protect civilians, the wounded and detainees during wartime – are being widely ignored.

Marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the conventions, ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric said that international humanitarian law is “under strain” as more than 120 armed conflicts are raging around the world.

“More than ever, the world must recommit to this robust, protective framework for armed conflict. One that follows the premise of protecting life instead of justifying death,” Spoljaric said.

Israel has denied access to Gaza for about one-third of all aid missions since the start of this month in a move that perpetuates “a continued cycle of deprivation and distress” for the population of the war-torn Palestinian territory, the UN has said.

The latest situation report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also reports that 198 people were killed and 430 injured in Israeli attacks between Friday and Monday.

Between August 1 and 11, Israeli authorities denied access to northern Gaza for 32 of 85 coordinated humanitarian aid missions. A further 13 were impeded by Israeli authorities and six were cancelled due to logistical and security reasons, the OCHA reports.

Out of 122 aid missions coordinated with Israeli authorities to southern Gaza, 36 were denied, eight were impeded and 15 were cancelled.  The blocking of aid missions “undermine[s] efforts to address urgent humanitarian needs”, the UN said.