The International Committee of the Red Cross reported that a shelling attack on Friday resulted in the deaths of 22 people and destroyed its Gaza office, which is surrounded by hundreds of tent-dwelling displaced people.
The ICRC claimed in a statement posted on social media platform X that the shells “damaged the structure of the ICRC office,” although it did not specify who shot the “heavy calibre projectiles.”
It stated that following the shelling, there were “reports of additional casualties” and that 22 bodies and 45 wounded had been transported to a nearby Red Cross field hospital.
Israel was held responsible for the shelling, according to the health ministry in the zone controlled by Hamas, which claimed 25 casualties and 50 injuries. The tents of the displaced in the Al-Mawasi region, which is close to the ICRC base, were “targeted” by Israeli shelling, according to the ministry.
Speaking on behalf of the Israeli Defense Forces, the spokesperson stated that the incident was “under review” but did not admit any involvement.
“The preliminary investigation reveals that there is no proof that the IDF launched an attack in the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone.” A spokesperson for AFP stated, “The incident is being investigated.”
According to the ICRC, “Heavy-calibre projectiles landed within metres of the office and residences of the International Committee of the Red Cross on Friday afternoon.”
“Firing so dangerously close to humanitarian structures, of whose locations the parties to the conflict are aware and which are clearly marked with the Red Cross emblem, puts the lives of civilians and Red Cross staff at risk,” the organization stated.
“This grave security incident is one of several in recent days,” it continued.
In the past, ICRC buildings have been hit by stray gunshots. We condemn these incidents that endanger the lives of civilians and humanitarian workers.”
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been calling Israel and Hamas to uphold international law and safeguard civilians entangled in the fighting that started with the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
Head of the ICRC Mirjana Spoljaric remarked that protecting people is “the line between humanity and barbarity” and urged all sides to do more “regardless of which side they are on”.
