The killing of eight medics in Gaza has reignited international concerns over humanitarian protections amidst an increasingly tense conflict, with the Red Cross issuing a strong condemnation.
Red Cross Condemns Tragic Killing of Medics in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
Red Cross Condemns Tragic Killing of Medics in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies expresses outrage over medics' deaths as tensions escalate in Gaza.
In a heartbreaking incident in Rafah, southern Gaza, eight medics were killed while responding to emergencies on March 23, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Their bodies were recovered on Sunday after being denied access to the site for a week. One medic remains unaccounted for. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) confirmed the loss, alongside six members of Gaza’s Hamas-led civil defense agency and a UN employee. Sources are conflicted, with Hamas attributing blame to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), while the IDF has not yet commented on these allegations.
The IFRC’s Secretary General, Jagan Chapagain, expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing the humanitarian role of the medics and the need for their protection under international humanitarian law. “These dedicated ambulance workers were responding to wounded people. They wore emblems that should have protected them,” Chapagain stated.
In an admission of a tragic mistake, the Israeli military acknowledged firing on “suspicious vehicles,” which they later realized included ambulances. Nevertheless, they defended their actions, claiming they were targeting Hamas operatives. This incident has drawn critical responses, including condemnation from Hamas officials, who have labeled the attacks as a violation of the Geneva Conventions, constituting a war crime.
Since the resumption of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza on March 18, the humanitarian crisis has worsened, with reports indicating over 900 fatalities in just a few weeks. This resurgence of violence follows the catastrophic events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, prompting a fierce military response. As the conflict continues, the international community remains watchful of the humanitarian implications, particularly for health workers and civilians caught in the crossfire of this devastating conflict.
The IFRC’s Secretary General, Jagan Chapagain, expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing the humanitarian role of the medics and the need for their protection under international humanitarian law. “These dedicated ambulance workers were responding to wounded people. They wore emblems that should have protected them,” Chapagain stated.
In an admission of a tragic mistake, the Israeli military acknowledged firing on “suspicious vehicles,” which they later realized included ambulances. Nevertheless, they defended their actions, claiming they were targeting Hamas operatives. This incident has drawn critical responses, including condemnation from Hamas officials, who have labeled the attacks as a violation of the Geneva Conventions, constituting a war crime.
Since the resumption of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza on March 18, the humanitarian crisis has worsened, with reports indicating over 900 fatalities in just a few weeks. This resurgence of violence follows the catastrophic events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, prompting a fierce military response. As the conflict continues, the international community remains watchful of the humanitarian implications, particularly for health workers and civilians caught in the crossfire of this devastating conflict.
