The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) has called on all parties involved in conflicts across the Middle East and in rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians and aid workers.

In a statement issued in Kuala Lumpur, the organization warned that escalating military operations risk worsening the humanitarian situation for vulnerable communities already affected by violence and instability.

MRCS echoed concerns raised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has cautioned that increased hostilities pose a serious threat to civilians caught in conflict zones.

The society reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law to safeguard non-combatants, medical workers, and essential infrastructure such as hospitals and health facilities.

Red Cross and Red Crescent teams continue to provide humanitarian assistance in affected areas wherever access is possible.

Their work includes delivering emergency medical care, supporting communities in crisis, and strengthening local preparedness for further humanitarian challenges.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is also coordinating with national societies across the region to monitor urgent humanitarian needs and support relief operations.

MRCS National Chairman Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah stressed the importance of allowing humanitarian organizations to operate without obstruction.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this conflict,” she said in the statement.

She urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and allow humanitarian teams to deliver urgently needed assistance without interference.

MRCS also emphasized that civilians, humanitarian personnel, public infrastructure, and the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblem must be respected and protected at all times under international law.

An email from 2011 shows that American billionaire Tom Pritzker described a trip to Afghanistan to financier Jeffrey Epstein, including a meeting with then–U.S. commander general David Petraeus.

In the message, Pritzker wrote that during his visit he had spent time with Petraeus, who at the time commanded U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan during the height of the war. Pritzker said the general had lent him two helicopters for travel during the trip.

“I am in a remote valley of Afghanistan (it’s my birthday wish) with Boys with Toys. Spent time w(ith) Patraeus yesterday and he loaned me a chopper (actually two with one as a back up). Can’t call till tomorrow,” the email read.

The correspondence surfaced among documents showing that Pritzker and Epstein had exchanged emails over several years regarding travel plans, meetings, and events. The revelations drew renewed attention due to Epstein’s criminal history and the scrutiny surrounding individuals who maintained contact with him.

Epstein, a wealthy financier with extensive connections in business and politics, faced multiple accusations of sexually abusing underage girls.

He was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges but was later found dead in a New York jail cell that August in what authorities ruled a suicide.

The emails emerged as part of broader disclosures involving Epstein’s network of associates.

Following the public release of the correspondence, Pritzker stepped down as executive chairman of the board of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, a major global hotel chain controlled by the influential Pritzker family.

At the time of the email exchange in 2011, Afghanistan was still the center of a large international military operation led by the NATO and the United States Armed Forces.

General Petraeus was overseeing counterinsurgency operations against the Taliban while also managing relations with Afghan authorities and coalition partners.

The disclosure has raised questions in media and policy circles about the nature of high-profile civilian visits to conflict zones and the broader network of relationships surrounding Epstein prior to his arrest and death.

The UN Security Council will hold a quarterly meeting on Afghanistan on Monday, with an open briefing before closed consultations.

Panama will deliver a statement prior to the meeting on behalf of countries supporting Women, Peace, and Security.

New Council members—Bahrain, Colombia, DRC, Latvia, and Liberia—will give their first views on Afghanistan since joining.

Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Political) and Officer-in-Charge of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Georgette Gagnon is expected to update the Council on political, humanitarian, and human rights developments, based on the Secretary-General’s latest report covering December 2025–February 2026.

The meeting come as recent clashes along the Durand Line have escalated, with airstrikes and drone attacks causing civilian casualties, displacement, and infrastructure damage. Between 26 February and 5 March, 185 civilian casualties were recorded, including 56 deaths, over half women and children.

The humanitarian situation remains dire, with nearly half of Afghanistan’s 44 million population needing aid.

Council members are expected to reiterate calls to protect civilians, civilian infrastructure, and uphold international humanitarian law.

Discussions will also focus on renewing UNAMA’s mandate before it expires on 17 March, with China leading draft resolution negotiations.