Israeli Attacks on Gaza Medical Teams Leave Nine Missing
Amid ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Gaza, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has reported that nine emergency medical personnel remain missing after their ambulances were targeted by Israeli forces in Rafah nearly a week ago.
Key Points:
-
Israeli Attack on Ambulances: The Israeli military admitted to firing at ambulances on March 24, calling them “suspicious vehicles.” Hamas officials condemned the attack as a war crime, reporting at least one fatality.
-
Ground Operations Intensify: Israeli forces launched further ground activity in Rafah’s Jneina neighborhood, expanding what it calls a “security zone” in the densely populated area.
-
Rescue Teams Under Fire:
-
PRCS accused Israel of blocking search efforts for the missing EMTs.
-
Gaza’s civil defense agency confirmed it lost contact with a six-member rescue team on the same day.
-
A PRCS ambulance and a firefighting vehicle were found destroyed, with one body recovered.
-
-
International Condemnation:
-
The UN humanitarian office reported hundreds of civilian casualties in Gaza since March 18.
-
Tom Fletcher, UN official, decried attacks on hospitals, first responders, and civilians, urging the international community to intervene.
-
Hamas condemned the attack as a violation of the Geneva Conventions, calling it a deliberate massacre.
-
The targeting of medical personnel in conflict zones violates international humanitarian law, raising global concern over the conduct of Israeli military operations in Gaza. Calls for accountability are growing as the humanitarian crisis worsens.
