Red Cross back to work in Gaza after receiving security guarantees from Palestinians

The international Red Cross resumed its regular work in the troubled Gaza Strip after receiving security guarantees from Palestinian authorities.

The decision comes a week after the International Committee of the Red Cross suspended operations throughout the Gaza Strip after two foreigners and their Palestinian driver working for another international organization were kidnapped by gunmen in the town of Khan Younis. The three were released after a shootout between the militants and Palestinian security forces.

The Palestinian Authority and others have since provided security guarantees, the ICRC said in a statement, but declined to give specifics.

"The ICRC stands ready to respond, within the framework of its mandate, to emergencies or other situations requiring humanitarian action that may arise during the Israeli disengagement," the organization said.

It also "will closely monitor events as the disengagement plan is implemented, its priority being to ensure that the Palestinian population has access to essential goods and services," the ICRC is quoted by the AP.

The Geneva-based organization's field work includes patrols near conflict areas adjacent to Jewish settlements and attendance at public events.