Red Cross Reports 22 Killed Dozens Injured in Gaza Shelling Near Its Office

Photo : Reuters

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that 22 people were killed in a shell attack on Friday that damaged its Gaza office, surrounded by displaced persons living in tents. The ICRC did not attribute responsibility for the "heavy calibre projectiles" but noted on social media that the shells had "damaged the structure of the ICRC office."

Following the shelling, 22 bodies and 45 wounded were transported to a nearby Red Cross field hospital, with additional casualties reported. The health ministry in Gaza, under Hamas control, attributed 25 deaths and 50 injuries to the Israeli shelling, specifically targeting displaced tents in the Al-Mawasi area near the ICRC base.

In response, an Israeli Defence Force spokesperson stated the incident was under review and initially indicated no IDF strike in the humanitarian area, pending further investigation.

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The ICRC condemned the incident, emphasizing the danger posed by firing near humanitarian structures marked with the Red Cross emblem, jeopardizing civilian and Red Cross personnel lives. The organization highlighted recent security threats to its facilities, including stray bullets reaching ICRC structures.

Expressing deep concern, the ICRC urged both Israel and Hamas to uphold international law, protect civilians, and ensure humanitarian safety amidst escalating conflict. Mirjana Spoljaric, ICRC head, emphasized the critical need for all parties to prioritize civilian protection, urging respect for humanitarian boundaries to prevent further escalation of violence.