Aid Workers Killed As Humanitarian Crisis Deepens In Gaza

 

More than a dozen aid workers have been killed or gone missing in Gaza over the past few days, as Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid nears the one-month mark amid its renewed military operations in the Palestinian enclave.

The United Nations’ agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported that eight of its staff members were killed in Gaza over the past week. Meanwhile, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) stated that nine of its emergency medical technicians (EMTs) have been missing since Sunday following an incident in which Israeli forces fired on ambulances and fire trucks in the southern Gaza governorate of Rafah.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that it targeted the ambulances and fire trucks because they were being used as cover by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters.

Attacks on Humanitarian Efforts

In a separate incident, Israeli strikes near a community kitchen in Gaza on Thursday killed a World Central Kitchen (WCK) volunteer and injured six others as meals were being distributed, according to the US-based non-profit.

In response, the IDF stated that the incident is under review and that it is in contact with the organization to verify details thoroughly.

These attacks follow Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid from entering the enclave, a move it described as an attempt to pressure Hamas into accepting new terms for a ceasefire extension. The UN and aid groups have accused Israel of violating international law by restricting the flow of aid and using starvation as a weapon of war.

Rising Death Toll and Worsening Conditions

Since hostilities resumed on March 18, at least 921 Palestinians have been killed and 2,054 others injured, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.

Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following Hamas’ October 2023 attack, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since then, more than 50,200 Palestinians have been killed, and over 114,000 injured, according to health officials in Gaza.

With the resumption of military operations, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza are at risk of severe hunger and malnutrition. The World Food Programme (WFP) warned that its food stocks would last only two more weeks, while the UN reported that ten community kitchens had already shut down due to hostilities and shortages.

UNRWA Calls for Urgent Action

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called for an immediate ceasefire and for Israel to lift its blockade on aid.

“No humanitarian aid has entered Gaza for more than three weeks now,” Lazzarini said, emphasizing that, prior to the ceasefire’s collapse, 500 to 600 aid trucks were entering Gaza daily. He warned that hunger is increasing, and the risk of disease is spreading rapidly.

“The siege must be lifted, and crossings must re-open for a standard flow of humanitarian aid and commercial supplies,” Lazzarini urged.

Humanitarian Workers Targeted

Since October 2023, approximately 400 aid workers, including teachers, doctors, and nurses, have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The toll includes 289 UN staff, 34 PRCS workers, and 76 from other NGOs.

The PRCS reported that its EMTs went missing in Tel Sultan, Rafah, after being besieged and targeted by Israeli forces. It said its teams were only able to start searching for the missing staff on Thursday, as they had previously been denied access to the area.

Gaza’s Civil Defense reported that six of its staff also went missing after being dispatched to the same area following an Israeli incursion. One Civil Defense worker’s body was later recovered.

The Israeli military claimed that its forces fired on “suspicious vehicles” advancing toward troops without prior coordination, headlights, or emergency signals, and accused Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad of using medical facilities and ambulances for militant purposes.

Since the start of the conflict, 19 PRCS members have been killed while on duty. The organization is calling for immediate international action to protect medical teams.

Volunteer Killed During Meal Distribution

The World Central Kitchen confirmed that one of its volunteers was killed, and six others were injured in an Israeli strike near a community kitchen as meals were being distributed.

“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of one of our volunteers in Gaza,” WCK said in a statement.

Despite previous Israeli attacks on WCK staff in April 2024, which drew international condemnation, the organization vowed to continue its humanitarian work in Gaza.

“We will continue to support community kitchens throughout the region and operate our field kitchens where possible,” the organization stated. “We hope for peace for all and a lasting ceasefire.”