The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is devastated to confirm the deaths of five members of our network due to the armed hostilities in Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Today, Wednesday, in two different incidents, ambulances were hit killing four Palestine Red Crescent paramedics who were helping those in need.

Previously, on Saturday, an ambulance driver of Magen David Adom in Israel lost his life while driving an ambulance to treat injured people. 

The IFRC reiterates the call on all parties to respect their legal obligations under international humanitarian law. This is non-negotiable. Civilians, healthcare workers, health facilities and civilian infrastructure must be respected and protected at all times. They are not a target.

The IFRC, on behalf of all 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, sends its deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those killed.