Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon reiterated the pressing need for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to allow safe transit of refugees out in a crisis region.

Gordon issued the statement following the deadly explosion in Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza last Oct. 17, which left hundreds of people dead.

He emphasized that creating a humanitarian corridor is not only a good gesture and goodwill but also an "important assistance for those in desperate need."

“No one can justify carnage. Precious lives were lost when a massive bomb explosion tore through the hospital," he said.

Gordon noted that such a corridor could have potentially saved many lives if it had been in place as the conflict began to escalate.

"If a humanitarian corridor was put in place as the war was just starting last week, then the thousands staying in the hospital could have gone there and the hundreds who were killed might have been saved,” he added.

In addition, he pointed out the potential for a humanitarian corridor to facilitate diplomacy and the immediate movement of crucial supplies such as food, water, and fuel.

“Hostilities can be stopped. As a humanitarian organization, we always seek to protect everyone. We always make room for diplomacy. With that, a humanitarian corridor will also pave the way for the immediate movement of supplies such as food, water, and fuel,” Gordon said.