Andrew Charles Johnson’s Post

We are deeply concerned by the news of a strike next to the office and residence of the International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC in Gaza, which caused many casualties and damage to the building. Hundreds of displaced civilians have been seeking shelter in tents around the area, including many of our colleagues.    This incident caused a mass casualty influx at the nearby ICRC Field Hospital. The hospital received 22 killed and 45 injured, and we have heard that there were additional casualties being treated at the hospital.     Parties to the conflict are obliged to take all feasible precautions to avoid harm to civilians and lifesaving facilities such as hospitals and humanitarian facilities. Humanitarian organisations like the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the ICRC must have the safety and access they need to provide the lifesaving aid that has become so crucial for people’s survival.    Over 200 humanitarian workers have lost their lives in Gaza, including an ICRC colleague, as well as 19 PRCS members who were killed while responding to this crisis. PRCS have also lost a colleague in the West Bank and MDA in Israel have lost six team members in the line of duty. Humanitarian and medical workers must be protected. They must be able to conduct their work without risking their own lives.    We must alleviate the suffering in Gaza, safeguard civilian life and uphold human dignity.