Israel and the Occupied Territory: ICRC office in Gaza damaged civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected

Today, an office of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Rafah was damaged by an explosive projectile despite being clearly marked and notified to all parties. Fortunately, no staff were injured in this incident, but this has a direct impact on the ICRC’s ability to operate. The ICRC strongly decries the attack against its premises.  

The escalation of hostilities in Gaza over the past week has had significant humanitarian impacts, with hundreds of civilians killed, some of whom remain buried under rubble while others have been left behind unable to be rescued. New evacuation orders and intense hostilities are causing people to flee without a clear sense of areas that are safe, and many people have nowhere else to go. Many have been forced to leave behind their tents and belongings. In addition, there are dwindling supplies of food and safe water. Medical facilities, including the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah, are now also responding to mass casualty incidents.  

The resumption of hostilities and violence is causing a loss of hope on all sides. 

Yesterday, contact was lost with emergency medical technicians from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and their whereabouts remain unknown. Last week, humanitarian workers in Gaza were killed and injured.  

International humanitarian law affords special protection to humanitarian relief and medical personnel, medical facilities, and objects used for humanitarian relief operations. They must be respected and protected in all circumstances to ensure the continuity of care. They must never be attacked. The parties must do their utmost to ensure their safety by providing clear and strict instructions to weapon bearers. 

About the ICRC

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, impartial and independent organization with an exclusively humanitarian mandate that stems from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. It helps people around the world affected by armed conflict and other violence, doing everything it can to protect their lives and dignity and to relieve their suffering, often alongside its Red Cross and Red Crescent partners.