IFRC confirms killing of 8 Palestine Red Crescent medics in Gaza

31/3/2025 6:07

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on Sunday expressed strong indignation over the killing of eight medics from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) while on duty in Gaza.

According to an IFRC statement, an emergency medical team of nine went missing along with their ambulances after coming under heavy fire in the Al-Hashashin area of Rafah, in southern Gaza, on March 23. On Sunday, the bodies of eight medics were retrieved, while one remains missing.

IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain stated that the medics were engaged in rescue efforts when the attack was launched. They were operating clearly marked ambulances and wearing emblems that should have protected them.

Chapagain urged all parties to the conflict to abide by international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers. He further noted that since the outbreak of the conflict, a total of 30 PRCS volunteers and staff members have lost their lives.

Since Israel renewed its strikes across the Gaza Strip on March 18, the Palestinian death toll has exceeded 920, with over 2,000 injuries, according to Gaza-based health authorities.