The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Day 791: Did the Red Cross do all it could for hostages in Gaza?
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Dec 5, 2025 Julien Lerisson, the Country Representative for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Israel, discusses the organization's crucial yet challenging role in humanitarian efforts. He reveals the ICRC's historical failures during the Holocaust and the long-standing issues surrounding Israel's Magen David Adom. Lerisson shares insights on the principles of neutrality and the logistical hurdles faced during hostage negotiations in Gaza. He stresses the importance of impartiality in their mission and condemns staged humanitarian acts by Hamas.
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Humanity At The Core Of ICRC Work
- The ICRC's mission focuses on victims of war, not political sides, prioritizing human dignity amid conflict.
- Julien Lerisson emphasizes neutrality and restoring family links as core, practical pillars of their work.
From Medicine To Law To The Red Cross
- Julien Lerisson trained in law after failing at medicine and persisted through three rejections before joining the ICRC.
- He was drawn to the law of war's pragmatic rules and the ICRC's guardian role.
Origin Story: Solferino To Global Movement
- The Red Cross originated from Henri Dunant's response to battlefield suffering at Solferino in 1859.
- The Red Cross emblem mirrors the Swiss flag and the movement grew into national societies worldwide.