The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) condemned a recent shelling attack near its office in Gaza, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 22 people and injuries to 45 others who had sought shelter nearby. The ICRC emphasized that the conflicting parties are under an international legal obligation to take all feasible precautions to avoid harm to civilians and damage to civilian structures. This attack is part of a disturbing trend of aggression aimed at humanitarian organizations in conflict zones.
Details surrounding the incident remain contentious. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, the shelling was attributed to Israeli forces and reported a slightly higher casualty count, with 25 fatalities and 50 injuries. Conversely, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that there was no direct attack on a Red Cross facility and assured that an investigation would be conducted, with findings to be shared with international partners. The IDF reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the operations of international organizations in Gaza.
On an international level, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, reiterated the call for a thorough and independent investigation. Borrell’s statement underscores the necessity for accountability in such incidents, urging that those responsible be held to account.
The incident is not isolated. In May, it was reported that over 250 aid workers had been killed in Gaza since October 7. Such attacks on civilian humanitarian relief personnel contravene international humanitarian law (IHL), which mandates the protection of these individuals to ensure the delivery of essential aid to civilians in need. Violations of IHL are prosecutable offenses, with grave breaches classified as war crimes under the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.
For further details, refer to the original report here.