14 Gaza Rescuers Killed in Israeli Airstrike: Red Crescent Recovers Bodies of Emergency Workers

0 1 minute read

Smoke rises following an explosion in north Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border, March 25, 2025. (Reuters)

The Palestinian Red Crescent announced the recovery of 14 bodies, including 8 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and several civil defense personnel, who were killed in an Israeli military attack on ambulances in Gaza. The tragic incident occurred on March 23 in Rafah, during a renewed Israeli offensive following a truce.

Key Details of the Attack

Ambulances Targeted: The Israeli military fired on ambulances, resulting in the deaths of 14 emergency responders, including personnel from the Palestine Red Crescent and the UN.
Difficult Recovery: The bodies were recovered under difficult conditions, with some buried in sand and showing signs of decomposition.
Israeli Acknowledgment: Israel admitted its forces opened fire, claiming the vehicles were suspected of being associated with Hamas. However, no confirmation was made regarding any hostile fire from the ambulances.

Impact of the Attack

Humanitarian Crisis: The deaths have highlighted ongoing concerns about the safety of medical personnel and the targeting of ambulances amid the conflict. The United Nations and humanitarian groups have condemned the attack on medical responders.
Ongoing Strikes: Since Israel resumed its airstrikes on March 18, at least 921 Palestinians have been killed, with significant casualties reported among civilians and first responders.

Context of Renewed Violence

The attack occurred in the southern Gaza Strip, particularly near the Egyptian border, where Israeli military operations have intensified after a months-long truce. The violence has raised alarms about the continued dangers to civilian infrastructure and humanitarian workers.

Conclusion

This tragic incident underscores the escalating violence in Gaza and the dangers faced by medical and rescue teams on the ground. The international community continues to call for greater protection for humanitarian workers and civilians caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict.