In southern Gaza, over a dozen aid workers have been identified among the bodies recovered from what has been termed a “mass grave.” This tragic discovery follows a week of uncertainty after the workers went missing during assaults by Israeli forces. On Sunday, 14 bodies were found in the Rafah region, with eight belonging to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), five to civil defence, and one associated with a UN agency. A PRCS medic remained unaccounted for as of Monday.
A civil defence worker’s body had been previously retrieved, with PRCS reporting delayed access to the scene. The workers had been missing since March 23 when Israeli forces allegedly fired upon their vehicles while they responded to earlier attacks. The Israeli military stated their actions were aimed at what they perceived as misuse of ambulances by militants.
The attacks have sparked outrage from humanitarian organisations and the United Nations, with claims that it represents one of the most devastating incidents for aid workers in nearly a decade. PRCS condemned the targeting of medical personnel as a violation of international law, labelling it a “war crime.” The events unfolded amidst Israel’s renewed military operations in Gaza, where a blockade has restricted humanitarian aid for nearly a month.
The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that recovering the bodies involved a complex operation, utilising heavy machinery to excavate both victims and their vehicles from the debris. OCHA’s representative expressed the gravity of the situation, highlighting that health workers should never be targeted in conflict settings. Disturbing footage captured the haunting scene as bodies, some clad in PRCS uniforms, were unearthed.
The initial attack on aid workers resulted in immediate casualties, with multiple emergency responders also getting struck as they searched for their comrades. The actions of Israeli forces have been described by OCHA as attempts to conceal evidence of the violence inflicted upon humanitarian workers.
In light of the continuous conflict, which escalated after a ceasefire ended on March 18, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with bombings resulting in significant civilian casualties. Reports indicate the death toll since October 7 exceeds 50,000, marking an appalling peak of loss. The targeting of aid workers has met with widespread condemnation from international bodies, reiterating the necessity for the protection of humanitarian missions under international humanitarian law. As the crisis persists, calls for accountability over the events continue to grow.