International Red Cross condemns killing of medics in Gaza
- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies announced the retrieval of eight medics' bodies after a week of being denied access to the area.
- The IDF acknowledged firing at ambulances, mistakenly identifying them as suspicious vehicles in a military operation against Hamas.
- International leaders and organizations are condemning the actions as a violation of humanitarian law, demanding protection for civilian and humanitarian workers.
In Gaza, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) expressed outrage over the death of eight medics who were killed while on duty in Rafah. Their bodies were recovered after being missing for a week, with one medic still unaccounted for. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society uncovered the medics’ bodies alongside six civil defense personnel and a UN employee. The situation escalated after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admitted to firing upon ambulances, claiming they were engaged in combat with Hamas. International humanitarian law stipulates the protection of civilians and healthcare workers in conflict zones, compelling global leaders to respond to the incident as a violation of these rules. The ongoing military action in Gaza has intensified since mid-March, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement. Reports indicate significant casualties, prompting calls from various organizations for the protection of humanitarian workers and investigations into these violations of international law. The broader context is rooted in escalating violence that started following a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023, which led to significant loss of life on both sides. The situation has created a humanitarian crisis, underscoring the urgent need for overseeing the conduct of military operations and ensuring the safety of medical personnel.