Mass Grave of Medics in Rafah Highlights Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Fifteen medics found in a mass grave, prompting strong condemnation from UN officials over renewed violence in the region.
A recent discovery of a mass grave in Rafah, Gaza, where the bodies of 15 medical personnel were found, has drawn attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and violence in the region.
United Nations aid officials reported that the medics were killed after the Israeli army targeted ambulances.
Jonathan Whittall, the head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Palestinian territories, described the situation as indicative of a 'war without limits.' He expressed shock at the sight of medical workers, still in their uniforms and gloves, who were killed while attempting to save lives.
The tragic incident occurred on March 23, when the first aid team was reportedly hit by Israeli fire, followed by additional emergency and aid teams who were also attacked while searching for their colleagues.
Among the 15 individuals found in the mass grave, eight were affiliated with the Palestinian Red Crescent, and one was a member of the United Nations.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed revulsion at the attacks on medical and emergency personnel.
A statement from his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, indicated that Guterres was particularly disturbed by the violent actions of the Israeli forces towards humanitarian workers.
In the context of these developments, OCHA reported that Israel resumed military operations on March 18, following a brief ceasefire, and has since announced an extension of its operations aimed at seizing 'large areas' of Gaza.
As a result of the escalating violence, 64 percent of the territory is currently under displacement orders, leaving approximately 200,000 people uprooted from their homes.
Additionally, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with the World Food Programme confirming the closure of 25 bakeries in Gaza since March 31. Whittall characterized the ongoing events as an 'endless loop of blood, pain, and death,' labeling Gaza as a 'death trap.' He emphasized that such actions 'defy decency, humanity, and the law.'
United Nations aid officials reported that the medics were killed after the Israeli army targeted ambulances.
Jonathan Whittall, the head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Palestinian territories, described the situation as indicative of a 'war without limits.' He expressed shock at the sight of medical workers, still in their uniforms and gloves, who were killed while attempting to save lives.
The tragic incident occurred on March 23, when the first aid team was reportedly hit by Israeli fire, followed by additional emergency and aid teams who were also attacked while searching for their colleagues.
Among the 15 individuals found in the mass grave, eight were affiliated with the Palestinian Red Crescent, and one was a member of the United Nations.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed revulsion at the attacks on medical and emergency personnel.
A statement from his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, indicated that Guterres was particularly disturbed by the violent actions of the Israeli forces towards humanitarian workers.
In the context of these developments, OCHA reported that Israel resumed military operations on March 18, following a brief ceasefire, and has since announced an extension of its operations aimed at seizing 'large areas' of Gaza.
As a result of the escalating violence, 64 percent of the territory is currently under displacement orders, leaving approximately 200,000 people uprooted from their homes.
Additionally, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with the World Food Programme confirming the closure of 25 bakeries in Gaza since March 31. Whittall characterized the ongoing events as an 'endless loop of blood, pain, and death,' labeling Gaza as a 'death trap.' He emphasized that such actions 'defy decency, humanity, and the law.'
