JERUSALEM, Tuesday, November 7, 2023 (WAFA) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it was deeply troubled that its humanitarian convoy in Gaza City came under Israeli fire today, Tuesday.
The ICRC stressed the obligation under international humanitarian law to respect and protect humanitarian workers at all times.
The convoy of five trucks and two ICRC vehicles was carrying lifesaving medical supplies to health facilities, including to Al-Quds Hospital of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, when it was hit by Israeli fire. Two trucks were damaged, and a driver was lightly wounded.
"These are not the conditions under which humanitarian personnel can work," said William Schomburg, the head of the ICRC delegation in Gaza. "We are here to bring urgent assistance to civilians in need. Ensuring that vital assistance can reach medical facilities is a legal obligation under international humanitarian law."
After the incident, the convoy altered its route and reached Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza where it delivered the medical supplies. Afterward, the ICRC convoy accompanied six ambulances with critically wounded patients to the Rafah crossing, noted ICRC in a statement.
T.R.