ICRC Confirms 22 Dead in Shelling Near Red Cross Office in Gaza
The International Committee of the Red Cross office in Gaza, which is surrounded by Palestinian refugees who live in tents, has sustained significant damage and 22 lives have been lost. Shelling was used to carry out the attack. The health ministry in Gaza, governed by Hamas, reported 25 dead and 50 injured, attributing the attack to Israel.
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Witnesses described chaos as initial bombardments led to more casualties when people attempted to assist those panicking. The ICRC, while not identifying the attackers, confirmed that heavy-calibre projectiles damaged its office and that 22 bodies and 45 wounded were taken to a nearby Red Cross field hospital.
Humanitarian “Safe Zone” Hit Near Red Cross Office in Gaza
The attack targeted the al-Mawasi area, designated a humanitarian “safe zone” by Israel, where thousands had fled following assaults on Rafah. Reports from witnesses and rescue workers suggest the shelling occurred just outside the safe zone. The Israeli military stated the incident was under review, denying that any strikes were carried out inside the safe zone.
This incident comes after a month ago, when an Israeli bombing of a Palestinian camp for the internally displaced in southern Gaza claimed many lives and infuriated the whole world. The ICRC condemned the attack, emphasising the danger to civilians and humanitarian workers. Calls for adherence to international law and protection of civilians by both Israel and Hamas have intensified amid ongoing conflict.