The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has accused Israeli forces of launching a deadly attack on its headquarters in Gaza’s Khan Younis, killing one of its staff members and injuring three others. The strike, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, sparked a fire in the building, severely damaging the facility.
In a statement, the humanitarian group described the attack as “deliberate,” asserting that the PRCS headquarters is a well-known and clearly marked facility, bearing the internationally recognized protective red emblem. The organisation said it was “heartbroken” over the death of Omar Isleem, the worker killed in the incident. Two additional PRCS staff members and a civilian who attempted to extinguish the fire were reportedly injured.
“This was not a mistake,” said the PRCS. “We renew our call for accountability and for the protection of all humanitarian and medical personnel.” Video footage shared online showed flames and thick smoke billowing from the facility, with subsequent images revealing heavy structural damage and bloodstains.
When contacted by the BBC, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated it had “no knowledge about neither artillery nor any air strikes” in the area at the time. Israel maintains that its military operations do not target civilians or humanitarian workers, and has previously accused Hamas of exploiting aid centres to incite violence.
The alleged strike comes amid growing alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations estimates that at least 1,373 Palestinians have been killed since late May while seeking food, many near distribution points operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF has disputed UN figures, while Israel blames Hamas for orchestrating chaos at aid distribution sites.
Egyptian state media has reported two lorries carrying critical fuel supplies are awaiting entry into Gaza, where medical professionals continue to warn of life-threatening shortages. The Hamas-run health ministry claims at least 175 people, including 93 children, have died from malnutrition.
Since the war began following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage, Gaza’s health ministry says over 60,000 people have been killed.
