We are shocked that this morning an ICRC staff member was wounded by a stray bullet while on duty at the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah.
Field hospital staff immediately took action to stabilize him, while simultaneously responding to yet another mass casualty incident.
For weeks, stray bullets have prevented the field hospital from running normal operations. This is unacceptable.
On a regular basis, medical personnel, caretakers, staff and patients rush to designated safe areas at the sound of an alarm to avoid getting shot. Women in the maternity ward are forced to move to the floor because they cannot be moved while giving birth. Surgeons and other operating staff continue working with the sound of bullets around them, knowing one could pierce the canvas of the operating theatre at any moment.
In addition, this morning, two staff members of the Palestine Red Crescent Society were injured while on duty, underscoring the perilous security environment in Gaza and the intolerable risks first responders face while trying to reach those who depend on their support.
International humanitarian law requires respecting and protecting medical facilities, medical and humanitarian relief personnel in all circumstances. Every possible step must be taken to ensure their safety. Action must be taken urgently to prevent future incidents.
