The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has confirmed that its offices in Gaza were damaged by shelling, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals who had sought refuge near its compound.
According to an ICRC statement, “Heavy-calibre projectiles landed within meters of the office and residences of the International Committee of the Red Cross on Friday afternoon.” The incident has raised concerns about the safety of civilians and humanitarian facilities in the area.
The ICRC emphasized that all parties involved have a responsibility to take necessary precautions to prevent harm to civilians, highlighting the gravity of the security incident amid ongoing hostilities.
An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman informed the BBC that initial investigations indicated no indication of Israeli involvement in the strike but stated that the incident is under review.
“The strike damaged the structure of the ICRC office, which is surrounded by hundreds of displaced civilians living in tents, including many of our Palestinian colleagues,” the ICRC stated. The shelling resulted in a significant influx of casualties at the nearby Red Cross Field Hospital, with reports of 22 fatalities and 45 injuries.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza provided differing figures, reporting 25 fatalities and 50 injuries from the shelling, which it attributed to Israel.
Amid escalating tensions, the ICRC condemned the incidents that jeopardize the lives of humanitarian workers and civilians alike. The situation underscores the precariousness of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where ongoing violence has resulted in a high toll on civilian lives.
In related developments, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concerns over escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, warning of potential catastrophic consequences for the region. He called for an immediate de-escalation, emphasizing the urgency of averting further escalation akin to the situation in Gaza.
The recent months have witnessed a series of retaliatory actions between Israel and Hezbollah, with the Iran-backed group citing support for Hamas as a rationale for its actions against Israel.
