Gaza: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has raised urgent concerns over the rapidly deteriorating healthcare system in Gaza, describing it as “extremely fragile” as the Israeli military campaign intensifies.
In a statement released Sunday, the ICRC urged immediate measures to protect and support Gaza’s hospitals, which are under growing strain due to Israel’s ongoing airstrikes and siege. The organisation highlighted the surge in casualties—many with gunshot and shrapnel wounds—linked to Israeli attacks on locations where humanitarian aid is being distributed.
According to the ICRC, its field hospital in Rafah has declared mass casualty emergencies a dozen times in the past two weeks alone. "The vast majority of those injured said they were attempting to access aid distribution points when they were struck," the statement said.
Since the launch of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) initiative on May 27—backed by Israel and the United States—hundreds of Palestinians have reportedly been killed near aid distribution zones. The GHF replaced the United Nations and other independent agencies following an 11-week blockade that triggered famine warnings from international observers.
Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that at least 125 people have been killed and 736 injured in incidents tied to GHF aid sites. The latest violence reportedly claimed 13 lives and left over 150 wounded, with Israeli troops allegedly opening fire on civilians gathered near distribution centres in Rafah and at Wadi Gaza Bridge.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes. Abdallah Nour al-Din, cited by AFP, said large crowds began gathering early Sunday in the al-Alam area of Rafah. "After a while, hundreds moved toward the site, and then the army opened fire," he recounted.
Israel’s military stated its forces fired on individuals who, despite warnings, "advanced in a manner that posed a threat to soldiers." Meanwhile, the GHF denied any incidents occurred at its official aid sites on Sunday.
The Red Cross also emphasized the growing threats facing Gaza’s remaining hospitals. As combat zones edge closer to medical facilities, transferring patients in need of specialized care has become increasingly difficult.
“In many cases, patients cannot access the critical treatment they require,” the ICRC said, warning that without swift intervention to safeguard medical services and personnel, further deaths are inevitable.
The organisation called for immediate action to protect healthcare workers and ensure they have the resources necessary to continue lifesaving operations amid the war.
