Mother Mourns Lost Son, Gaza Medic Killed by Israeli Fire

Uzma Mohammed, mother of paramedic Rifaat Radwan, recounts the heartbreaking aftermath of her son's death during an emergency response in Gaza. The Israeli military's conflicting accounts and calls for an independent investigation spotlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The loss experienced by Hajjah Umm Mohammed is profound as she reflects on her son, 23-year-old Rifaat Radwan, a Palestinian paramedic who was tragically killed by Israeli troops while on duty. Instead of celebrating Eid al-Fitr, she and her family were left to collect his body, which had been recovered under distressing circumstances.

Rifaat was part of a Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) ambulance convoy responding to an urgent call for help when it came under fire near Rafah on March 23. Umm Mohammed recalls the shock of losing him, especially as she believed the area was designated as 'green', implying safety for medical workers.

In stark contrast to the Israeli military's assertion that the convoy approached suspiciously, video footage found on Rifaat's phone indicated their emergency lights were on, challenging the initial narrative. In a poignant moment captured on the video before his death, Rifaat expressed a heartfelt commitment to his humanitarian mission, conveying his determination to help those in need.

Umm Mohammed has been vocal about the loss, characterizing her son as a beacon of kindness and bravery, dedicated to transporting the wounded and aiding his community amidst conflict. She tragically noted that the day he died began with hope—she had no inkling he would become a victim of violence.

After a week of uncertainty, the families were informed of the discovery of their loved ones' bodies, which had been buried hastily to protect them from wild animals. Upon retrieval, Umm Mohammed was unable to view her son's remains due to their condition, further compounding her anguish.

The PRCS has called for an independent investigation into the incident, labeling the attack on medics as deliberate acts constituting a war crime. The organization stresses the necessity of accountability for such actions, urging the international community to recognize that humanitarian workers should not be targets in conflict.

Survivors of the attack, like Munther Abed, recounted the horror of that day, revealing that they were shot at without warning. Munther's personal trauma deepened as he witnessed the loss of his colleagues, whom he regarded as family.

While the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated they would conduct a thorough investigation into the details surrounding the shooting, the PRCS challenged their claims, reinforcing that their personnel were not operating in a restricted area and were targeted during their rescue efforts.

The events surrounding this incident highlight the ongoing struggle in Gaza, exacerbated by the severe humanitarian crisis that has unfolded since the renewed hostilities following Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023. The area has continued to experience relentless violence, leading to tremendous loss of life and deepening tensions. Calls for justice and accountability resonate as families like Umm Mohammed's seek answers in the darkness of conflict.