Gaza Aid HQ Attacked: Aid Group Accuses Israeli Forces of Deadly Strike
Humanitarian Agency Reports Staff Fatality and Injuries in Khan Younis
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has leveled a grave accusation against Israeli forces, alleging a deliberate attack on its headquarters in Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis.
Deadly Overnight Assault on Humanitarian Hub
An overnight assault on the PRCS headquarters in Khan Younis resulted in the death of one aid worker and injuries to three others, according to a statement from the organization. The humanitarian group reported that the strike, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, ignited a fire within the building.
The PRCS emphasized the deliberate nature of the attack, noting that the precise location of their headquarters is “well known” to the Israeli military and is “clearly marked with the protective red emblem.”
In response to the accusation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they had “no knowledge about neither artillery nor any air strikes” when questioned by the BBC.
Devastation and Call for Accountability
Video footage shared by the Red Crescent depicted sections of the building engulfed in flames and thick smoke. Subsequent images revealed significant structural damage to the facility, with visible bloodstains.
The organization identified the deceased worker as **Omar Isleem** and expressed deep sorrow over his loss. It confirmed that two additional workers sustained injuries, along with a civilian who was attempting to extinguish the blaze.
“This was not a mistake. We renew our call for accountability and for the protection of all humanitarian and medical personnel.”
—Palestine Red Crescent Society
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
This incident occurs amidst escalating warnings regarding the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Recent United Nations figures indicate that at least 1,373 Palestinians have perished while seeking sustenance since the end of May.
The UN reports that the majority of these deaths were caused by Israeli military actions near aid distribution points, though the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) disputes these figures, denying the UN’s claim of 859 fatalities in the vicinity of its sites. Israel maintains that Hamas instigates disorder at these centers and asserts its forces do not intentionally target civilians.
Aid Convoy Awaits Entry Amidst Shortages
Meanwhile, Egyptian state media has reported that two trucks carrying essential fuel are positioned to enter Gaza. Medical professionals have been sounding the alarm for weeks about critical shortages impacting vital medical facilities.
These shortages intensified after Israel imposed a months-long blockade on all aid and goods entering Gaza. While the blockade has been partially eased, humanitarian organizations stress the urgent need for more aid to enter the territory to avert further deterioration of famine and malnutrition.
The Hamas-run health ministry reported that 175 individuals, including 93 children, have succumbed to malnutrition. Israel refutes accusations of deliberately impeding aid, instead blaming the UN and other agencies for delivery failures.
The current conflict began following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 people taken hostage. Since then, the health ministry in Gaza estimates over 60,000 lives have been lost.
