ICRC Calls for Protection of Humanitarian Workers and an End to Genocide in Gaza
The spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza, Hisham Mhanna, condemned the Zionist occupation’s bombing of the ICRC headquarters in Rafah, southern Gaza, on Tuesday. He called for the protection of humanitarian workers and an end to the ongoing genocide in the besieged enclave.
In a press statement, Mhanna stressed that the occupation deliberately targets humanitarian workers in Gaza. He pointed out that the ICRC headquarters and surrounding area in Rafah, which provide essential humanitarian services to Palestinians in Gaza since October 7, 2023, were intentionally shelled.
He described the devastating damage caused to the international building after being struck by an explosive shell from an occupation tank, despite the clear visibility of the Red Cross emblem, which is protected under international humanitarian law. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as all staff members took shelter in a secure location during the attack.
Mhanna stated that ongoing discussions are taking place with all parties, including the occupation, to assess the humanitarian situation in Gaza and address the circumstances of the security breach that targeted the ICRC facility in Rafah on Monday. He emphasized the need to prevent such attacks in the future.
He also warned of the dire consequences of the continued targeting of humanitarian operations, which are urgently needed by hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza. Mhanna condemned the brutal crimes committed by the Zionist entity against Palestinians, including the closure of border crossings, power cuts, and the suspension of operations at the only desalination plant that provides drinking water to hundreds of thousands of residents.
With the humanitarian situation deteriorating rapidly across Gaza, Mhanna reiterated the urgent need to protect all humanitarian workers and called for an end to the war on Gaza.
Regarding the United Nations’ decision to reduce its staff in Gaza, Mhanna affirmed that all humanitarian workers remain committed to staying in the enclave to alleviate the suffering of civilians. However, he stressed that their continued presence depends on security guarantees that must be upheld by all parties to ensure the safety of international facilities across the territory.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that the fate of nine of its paramedics remains unknown after they were besieged and targeted by occupation forces in Rafah three days ago.
In a statement on Tuesday, the organization expressed deep concern over their safety, noting that the occupation has refused all coordination attempts by international organizations to allow rescue teams access to the area. The Palestinian Red Crescent held the Zionist occupation fully responsible for their fate.
