The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has expressed profound sorrow and outrage over the brutal killing of eight medical professionals who were responding to emergencies in Rafah, southern Gaza.
Killing of Medics in Gaza Sparks Outrage from Red Cross
Killing of Medics in Gaza Sparks Outrage from Red Cross
Red Cross condemns the deadly attack that resulted in the loss of eight medics in Gaza amidst escalating tensions.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has expressed deep outrage following the tragic deaths of eight medics killed while on duty in Rafah, Gaza. The nine-member ambulance team was reportedly targeted and came under intense fire on March 23. Their bodies were recovered on Sunday after encounters in the area had rendered access impossible for a week. Currently, one medic remains unaccounted for.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) confirmed that the deceased were found alongside the dead bodies of six members from Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense agency and a UN employee. Although the identity of the attackers remains unclear, accusations have arisen from Hamas, attributing the shooting to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF has not officially commented on this specific incident, although they have reportedly acknowledged targeting ambulances that they considered suspicious during military operations.
The IFRC issued a statement highlighting the protection that should be afforded to humanitarian workers under International Humanitarian Law, emphasizing that health services must be preserved even in times of conflict. "I am heartbroken," stated IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain, "These dedicated ambulance workers were responding to wounded people... They wore emblems that should have protected them."
In a contrasting response, the IDF, via AFP, claimed that their forces mistakenly opened fire on ambulances during military engagements after suspecting them to be linked to Hamas. In their defense, they stated that previous instances involved Terrorist organizations misusing ambulances for attacks.
The incident has drawn sharp rebuke from Hamas, with senior official Basem Naim labeling the attack a blatant violation of international laws and calling it a war crime. This commotion comes against the backdrop of renewed military engagements in Gaza, following Israel’s aggressive military actions since March 18, resulting in a substantial number of casualties. Reports indicate that over 900 individuals have lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes since hostilities ramped up again after a previous ceasefire.
The ongoing conflict, which reignited after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has claimed approximately 50,000 Palestinian lives, thereby raising critical humanitarian concerns over the treatment of civilians and humanitarian aid workers in conflict zones. The international community continues to grapple with the implications of the unfolding humanitarian crisis, and calls for accountability and adherence to international law remain pressing.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) confirmed that the deceased were found alongside the dead bodies of six members from Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense agency and a UN employee. Although the identity of the attackers remains unclear, accusations have arisen from Hamas, attributing the shooting to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF has not officially commented on this specific incident, although they have reportedly acknowledged targeting ambulances that they considered suspicious during military operations.
The IFRC issued a statement highlighting the protection that should be afforded to humanitarian workers under International Humanitarian Law, emphasizing that health services must be preserved even in times of conflict. "I am heartbroken," stated IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain, "These dedicated ambulance workers were responding to wounded people... They wore emblems that should have protected them."
In a contrasting response, the IDF, via AFP, claimed that their forces mistakenly opened fire on ambulances during military engagements after suspecting them to be linked to Hamas. In their defense, they stated that previous instances involved Terrorist organizations misusing ambulances for attacks.
The incident has drawn sharp rebuke from Hamas, with senior official Basem Naim labeling the attack a blatant violation of international laws and calling it a war crime. This commotion comes against the backdrop of renewed military engagements in Gaza, following Israel’s aggressive military actions since March 18, resulting in a substantial number of casualties. Reports indicate that over 900 individuals have lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes since hostilities ramped up again after a previous ceasefire.
The ongoing conflict, which reignited after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has claimed approximately 50,000 Palestinian lives, thereby raising critical humanitarian concerns over the treatment of civilians and humanitarian aid workers in conflict zones. The international community continues to grapple with the implications of the unfolding humanitarian crisis, and calls for accountability and adherence to international law remain pressing.
