Israeli Attacks on Relief Workers Condemned
- RAFFAH, Gaza Strip – The Palestinian Red Crescent reported the discovery of multiple deceased rescue workers following an Israeli military operation in the Tel Al-Sultan area of rafah.
- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that its forces fired upon ambulances, identifying them as "suspicious vehicles." The IDF has not released further details.
- A team of 15 humanitarian workers – eight from the Palestinian Red Crescent, six from the Palestinian Civil Defense, and one UN employee – had entered Tel Al-Sultan...
Israeli Forces Admit to Striking Gaza Rescue Vehicles; Aid workers Found Dead
Published: April 2, 2025
RAFFAH, Gaza Strip – The Palestinian Red Crescent reported the discovery of multiple deceased rescue workers following an Israeli military operation in the Tel Al-Sultan area of rafah. The bodies were recovered after an incident on March 23.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that its forces fired upon ambulances, identifying them as “suspicious vehicles.” The IDF has not released further details.
A team of 15 humanitarian workers – eight from the Palestinian Red Crescent, six from the Palestinian Civil Defense, and one UN employee – had entered Tel Al-Sultan to evacuate the dead and wounded, according to reports.
Sources indicate that all 15 individuals were wearing identifiable uniforms and orange vests. The four palestinian Red Crescent ambulances, the Civil Defense ambulance, and the UN vehicle were reportedly clearly marked.
The incident gained wider attention after Al Jazeera published satellite imagery purportedly showing several vehicles partially buried in sand. A week later, a joint UN and Red Crescent team reached the area, discovering the vehicles riddled with gunfire and a mass grave.
Jonathan Whittall, from the UN Emergency Aid Office (OCHA), stated, “Their bodies were gathered together and put in a mass grave. They wore the uniforms when we unearthed them; they still wore rubber gloves.”
The United Nations has called for a thorough investigation by Israel and demanded accountability for those responsible.
International Condemnation
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the strict prohibition under international law against targeting humanitarian workers.
“Norway strongly condemns these attacks,” Støre said in a statement to NTB. “It is crucial that those who risk their lives to save lives and contribute humanitarian assistance in war and conflict are protected.”
Jens Lærke, a spokesman for the UN Emergency Aid Office, expressed shock, stating, “This is a powerful blow for us. its hard to find words. These people were shot.”
Red Cross Expresses Outrage
The Norwegian Red Cross also condemned the killings and criticized the delay in clarifying the circumstances.
Acting Secretary General Simen Saxebøl stated, “We strongly condemn the attack. This is a terrible attack affecting the Red Cross and the humanitarian work in Gaza.”
Saxebøl described the incident as one of the most serious attacks against the Red Cross movement in recent times, emphasizing the special protection afforded to healthcare workers under international humanitarian law.
“Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance workers have saved countless lives in Gaza throughout the war, and it is indeed crucial that their safety is safeguarded so that they can continue to do their vital work,” Saxebøl added.