The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has announced the death of its 50th medic, Haitham Bassam Abu Issa, a nurse at the PRCS clinic in Deir el-Balah, in central Gaza.
According to the PRCS, Abu Issa was killed while off duty on Thursday. “This brings the total number of PRCS staff and volunteers killed during the conflict to 50 – a deeply shocking figure,” the PRCS said in a statement.
The PRCS has been vocal about the dangers faced by medical workers in Gaza, particularly in light of previous incidents where medics were targeted. In April, the PRCS demanded an independent international inquiry into the “deliberate killing” of 15 medical and humanitarian workers in an attack by Israeli forces in Gaza. Autopsies conducted on the bodies of the medics showed they were shot in the upper body with “intent to kill,” according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also condemned the killing of medical workers in Gaza. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the deadly attack against eight Palestine Red Crescent Society ambulance workers in Gaza as “deplorable”. The organization has emphasized the need for accountability and protection of medical personnel in conflict zones.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant loss of life and destruction of infrastructure. Local health authorities report that Israeli airstrikes and gunfire have killed thousands of Palestinians, with many more injured or displaced. The situation is further complicated by the role of humanitarian organizations, which are struggling to provide aid amidst the violence.
The PRCS has highlighted the challenges faced by medical workers in Gaza, including the targeting of ambulances and medical personnel. In one incident, a video recovered from the mobile phone of one of the medics showed their final moments, with the medics wearing highly reflective uniforms and driving in clearly identifiable rescue vehicles before being shot by Israeli forces.
The killing of medical workers and the targeting of humanitarian organizations raises concerns about the protection of civilians and medical personnel in conflict zones. The international community has emphasized the need for accountability and protection of humanitarian workers, who are essential to providing aid and assistance to those affected by conflict.