Gaza, March 24 (Petra) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Monday that its office in Rafah, southern Gaza, was damaged by an explosive shell, despite being clearly marked and its location known to all parties.

In a statement, the ICRC confirmed that no staff members were harmed in the incident. However, it warned that the attack could directly impact its ability to carry out humanitarian operations. The organization strongly condemned the strike on its office.

The statement highlighted the severe humanitarian toll of the escalating hostilities in Gaza over the past week, with hundreds of civilians killed, some still trapped under rubble, and others left to fend for themselves as rescue efforts remain impossible.

With new evacuation orders and intensified fighting, many residents are fleeing without knowing where to find safety, the ICRC said. Countless families have been forced to leave behind their tents and belongings, while food and clean water supplies in the territory continue to dwindle at an alarming rate.

The organization also expressed concern over the renewed violence, stating that hope is fading on all sides. It noted that on Sunday, contact was lost with a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance crew whose whereabouts remain unknown. Several humanitarian workers in Gaza were killed or injured last week.

The ICRC reiterated that international humanitarian law grants special protection to aid workers, medical personnel, and relief facilities. It stressed that they must be respected and protected at all times to ensure the continuation of life-saving assistance and that attacks against them are strictly prohibited.

//Petra// AF

24/03/2025 21:57:16