The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has expressed deep outrage over the tragic loss of life among humanitarian workers in Gaza. According to reports, eight Palestinian medics, six Civil Defence first responders, and a UN staff member were killed by Israeli forces in southern Gaza, prompting widespread condemnation.
The incident occurred in al-Hashahin on March 23, where five ambulances, a fire truck, and a UN vehicle were struck. A UN official confirmed that 15 bodies were recovered from the site as of Sunday, and the Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that a ninth medic remains unaccounted for, raising serious concerns about the targeting of its personnel.
Details of the incident
The Israeli military stated that its troops opened fire on vehicles they perceived as advancing suspiciously without headlights or emergency signals. They reported that among those killed was a Hamas operative, alongside what they labeled as “eight other terrorists.” This assertion has been met with skepticism and outrage from humanitarian organizations.
“I am heartbroken. These dedicated ambulance workers were responding to wounded people. They were humanitarians,” said IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain. “Even in the most complex conflict zones, there are rules. These rules of International Humanitarian Law could not be clearer – civilians must be protected; humanitarians must be protected. Health services must be protected.”
The IFRC confirmed that the eight medics recovered were identified as Mostafa Khufaga, Saleh Muamer, Ezzedine Shaath, and several first responder volunteers, including Mohammad Bahloul and Mohammed al-Heila. The organization highlighted that the bodies were retrieved after seven days during which access to the area was denied.
International response
Jonathan Whittall, head of the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Gaza, shared that their staff only accessed the site after six days, where they discovered the partially buried vehicles. He emphasized the critical nature of the incident, stating, “Today, on the first day of Eid, we returned and recovered the buried bodies… They were killed in their uniforms. Driving their clearly marked vehicles. Wearing their gloves. On their way to save lives. This should never have happened.”
The Palestine Red Crescent Society expressed devastation over what they termed a “massacre,” asserting that the targeting of their medics constitutes a war crime under international humanitarian law. At a funeral held on Monday, the father of one of the deceased medics lamented the lack of accountability, stating, “They killed them in cold blood.”
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) maintained that their actions were a response to suspected threats, asserting that some vehicles involved were indeed ambulances and fire trucks. They emphasized the imperative of distinguishing combatants from non-combatants, reiterating their stance on the necessity of military operations in the region.
As the situation evolves, international calls for a thorough investigation continue to grow, with humanitarian advocates urging all parties to adhere to the principles of international law and protect those engaged in life-saving efforts amidst conflict.