Red Cross Condemns Israeli Forces for Fatal Attack on Medics in Gaza

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of multiple Palestinian medics and first responders, who were reportedly killed by Israeli forces in Gaza. The international community has called for investigations into this incident, citing violations of humanitarian law.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has issued a stern condemnation after reports revealed the killing of eight Palestinian medics, six Civil Defence first responders, and a United Nations staff member by Israeli military in southern Gaza. This tragic incident occurred on March 23, in the al-Hashashin area, where five ambulances, a fire truck, and a UN vehicle were struck systematically according to a UN official. A total of 15 bodies were recovered from what was revealed to be a "mass grave" on Sunday.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) criticized Israeli forces for allegedly targeting medical staff, stating that a ninth medic remains missing. In their explanation for the strike, the Israeli military claimed that they fired on vehicles “advancing suspiciously” without headlights, asserting that a Hamas operative was among the dead.

IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain expressed devastation over the killings, reiterating the protected status of humanitarian workers according to International Humanitarian Law, which mandates civilian and medical personnel protection. Both the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) condemned the attack, emphasizing that what occurred represents a serious breach of human rights and humanitarian standards.

UN officials reported that the staff members and responders were there to provide aid and protection to the wounded, with videos showing the horror of the ambush. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa), remarked on the burial of the responders in “shallow graves,” a practice seen as deeply disrespectful to human dignity.

At their funeral, the family members of the deceased expressed grief and anger, with witnesses claiming Israeli forces targeted ambulances deliberately. Senior officials from Hamas have echoed these sentiments, labeling such actions as violations of international law.

In light of the tragic events, there are growing calls from various entities for a thorough investigation to ascertain the details surrounding this incident. The ongoing conflict, marked by significant casualties on both sides, reached a new phase as the Israeli military continues its campaign in Gaza, which has intensified since March following a ceasefire's expiration.

Israeli authorities, meanwhile, maintain that terrorist activities underlie their military operations, condemning what they describe as the misuse of civilian infrastructure by organizations like Hamas. As tensions escalate, the humanitarian crisis deepening in Gaza prompts urgent discussions regarding civilian safety and the protection of aid workers amid the conflict.