ICRC urges for protection of medical personnel in Gaza

, Aug 2: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Friday said it was shocked by the damage caused to its hospitals, branch offices, as well as to the property during the conflict in Gaza.

According to ICRC, a Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) compound in the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza came under attack on Friday. Five members of a PRCS worker's family were injured, Xinhua reported.

On July 30, the main PRCS hospital and administrative facility, which were centres for vital emergency and management services throughout Gaza, were caught in the crossfire.

Since early July, two members of the PRCS's staff have been killed in Gaza and more than 40 emergency workers injured. At least 26 ambulances have been damaged as well.

The staff and volunteers have been working round the clock to save lives to bring help and keep hope alive with the worsening of the conflict. The obstacles to their work and the danger they face have grown alarmingly, said Robert Mardini, head of ICRC operations for the Middle East, in a statement.

The collapse of the humanitarian space must be averted at all costs, Mardini added.

ICRC specifically reminded all parties of their obligation to respect and protect medical personnel, ambulances and facilities, as provided for under international humanitarian law.

IANS