GENEVA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) remains extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation facing the Somali population, the Geneva-based aid agency said on Tuesday.

    Over the course of 2007, many Somalis have had to cope with the ongoing conflict, as well as natural disasters. The situation remains particularly desperate in Mogadishu, which has been the scene of repeated fighting, the ICRC said in a statement.

    "Our priority has been to provide assistance to those affected by the conflict, particularly the displaced and to ensure the maintenance of essential health services," said Pascal Hundt, the head of the ICRC's Somalia delegation.

    "The ICRC has repeatedly reminded all parties to the conflict that they must respect the rules of international humanitarian law, and take constant care in the conduct of military operations to safeguard the lives and dignity of the civilian population," he added.

    In 2007, the ICRC delivered over 206 tons of medical supplies to hospitals and other health structures in Somalia, a 50 percent increase over the previous year, according to the statement.

    In addition to medical services, the ICRC has also provided direct assistance to the repeated waves of people forced to flee their homes because of the fighting.