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Eurasia Regional Director of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Martin Schuepp has issued a statement on the ongoing situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone.

"Today, we are more than two weeks into a period of intense violence as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict escalates. We estimate there are hundreds of thousands of people affected across the region. Civilians are dying or suffering life-changing injuries. Homes, businesses and once-busy streets are being reduced to rubble. The elderly and babies are among those forced to spend hours in unheated basements or to leave their homes for safety," the statement said.

It notes that healthcare facilities, health workers and ambulance services are straining to cope or even suffering reported direct attacks in places. There is upheaval, loss and fear in communities on both sides of the line of contact.

"It is our deep hope that the humanitarian ceasefire agreement will be abided by and will translate into meaningful relief for these people. As such, the International Committee of the Red Cross remains ready to facilitate the handover of bodies of those killed in action and the release of detainees. The sides must agree on a format between themselves," according to the source.

It is reminded that the ICRC is in continuous discussions with sides, passing proposals back and forth. Operational and logistical arrangements must be in place and the safety of our teams guaranteed, for the operation to begin.

"We are not involved in the political negotiations. Our role is strictly humanitarian, as a neutral intermediary. We have long-standing experience of this in conflicts worldwide. In terms of our response, we are working in the region to alleviate the suffering of those caught up in this," said the statement.

According to ICRC project, at least tens of thousands of people across the region will need support over the next few months.

It is noted that to this end ICRS have issued an emergency appeal of an additional 9.2 million Swiss Francs and have already started to receive generous donations from governments.