Red Cross says humanitarian convoy hit by gunfire in Gaza

Red Cross says humanitarian convoy hit by gunfire in Gaza



Egyptian paramedics transfer an injured Palestinian woman on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip, in the north eastern Sinai province, on November 7, 2023 amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. — AFP pic

Wednesday, 08 Nov 2023 7:08 AM MYT


GAZA CITY, Nov 8 — The International Committee of the Red Cross said a humanitarian convoy carrying lifesaving medical supplies came under fire in Gaza City on Tuesday.

The convoy of five trucks and two Red Cross vehicles was carrying supplies to health facilities, including to Al-Quds hospital, when it was hit, an ICRC statement said, adding that two trucks were damaged and a driver lightly wounded.


The ICRC did not specify who had fired at its convoy or from what direction the fire came.

“These are not the conditions under which humanitarian personnel can work,” said William Schomburg, the head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Gaza.


“We are here to bring urgent assistance to civilians in need. Ensuring that vital aid can reach medical facilities is a legal obligation under international humanitarian law.”


After the gunfire the convoy altered its route and reached Al-Shifa hospital where it delivered the medical supplies, the ICRC said.

Later the ICRC convoy accompanied six ambulances with critically wounded patients to the Rafah crossing to Egypt, it added. — AFP