The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has expressed outrage over the killing of an on-duty paramedic in Gaza.
The victim, identified as Hussein Hassan Hussein Al-Samiri, was a dedicated member of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and was killed while performing humanitarian duties in Khan Younis during an attack in the Al-Mawasi area.
“The IFRC sends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues,” the organisation said, highlighting the tragic circumstances.
Hussein’s death brings the total number of PRCS staff and volunteers killed in Gaza since October 2023 to 30.
“The Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems stand for protection, humanity, neutrality, and hope,” the IFRC said. “Yet too often, our volunteers and staff are killed while carrying out life-saving work.” The federation stressed that humanitarian and medical personnel must always be respected and safeguarded.
“The loss of Hussein is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by those who dedicate their lives to helping others,” it added.
Violence in Gaza has persisted despite a US-brokered truce entering its second phase last month. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the agreement.
Gazan health officials reported that Israeli air strikes killed 23 people on Wednesday, while Israel’s military said its strikes were in response to one of its officers being wounded by gunfire.
The Geneva-based IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising more than 17 million volunteers in over 191 countries.
