Geneva, 02 February 2024: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is shocked and deeply saddened by the killing of three members of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in the Gaza Strip - one staff member and one volunteer on 31 January 2024 and one staff member on 2 February 2024.  

In the first incident, two colleagues, Naeem Hasan Al-Jabali and Khalid Kulab, were both near the gate of the PRCS Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis when they were killed. Today, Hedaya Hamad was killed at the PRCS headquarters, which is in the same compound as the Al-Amal hospital. 

These deaths came after several days of shelling and fighting around the hospital which hindered access to the premises and created panic and distress among patients and thousands of displaced people. 

The IFRC sends its deepest condolences to the families of those killed and to their friends and colleagues at the Palestine Red Crescent Society.  

Under International Humanitarian Law, hospitals, ambulances, healthcare workers, and their patients must be respected and protected in every situation.  

Any attack on healthcare workers, ambulances, and medical facilities is unacceptable.  

We strongly reiterate our call for unwavering respect for the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal emblems and the crucial humanitarian services they represent. 

The IFRC stands with the PRCS, urging protection for all medical facilities and workers.   

We commend the dedication of PRCS volunteers and paramedics, many of whom have lost family members or been affected yet continue to respond. 

Since the beginning of the conflict, the IFRC network has lost 14 members. Eleven PRCS staff and volunteers have been killed, and three from Israel’s Magen David Adom. This is unacceptable. 

For more information or to request an interview, contact: [email protected]  

In Beirut:

Mey Al Sayegh: +961 761 74468

In Geneva:

Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 4367

Mrinalini Santhanam +41 76 381 5006

Andrew Thomas +41 76 367 6587