Remembering Red Cross and Red Crescent colleagues killed in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank

Humanitarian aid workers are just trying to deliver the basics: medical care, shelter, food and water. Yet hundreds have died in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. They must be respected and protected.

Over two hundred humanitarian aid workers have now died in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank – more in six months than any conflict recorded in a single year.

We are devastated to report that four Movement colleagues from Magen David Adom and 18 colleagues from the Palestine Red Crescent Society are among them, along with an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) driver. Their deaths shock and sadden us.

Our hearts are with everyone mourning these tragic deaths, and to everyone in the wider humanitarian community touched by loss during this conflict.

These humanitarians were the best of us, driven to support people in the most dangerous and challenging of circumstances.

Each of the dedicated staff and volunteers from Magen David Adom and the Palestine Red Crescent Society were rooted in the communities they were trying to support. Despite being affected by the conflict themselves, emotionally, personally and professionally, they left their families each morning to respond to and support others.

In Israel, this included Amit Mann, an MDA paramedic who was killed while treating the wounded in Kibbutz Be’eri, where she lived, in the early days of conflict.

And MDA colleague, 25-year-old ambulance driver Aharon Haimov, was also killed as he responded. He left behind behind a wife and two children.

Both were known for showing courage and exceptional empathy for their patients.

In Gaza, these tragic deaths include PRCS staff Youssef Zaino and Ahmed Al-Madhoun.

Amid incredibly dangerous and complex circumstances, the paramedics were on their way to transport six-year-old Hind Rajab to safety when they were killed in their ambulance just a few metres away from her.

Many other PRCS staff lost their lives as they responded in hospitals, after spending months on site away from their loved ones.

In January this year, Naeem Hasan Al-Jabali and Khalid Kulab, were both killed near the gate of the PRCS Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis.

Another colleague, Hedaya Hamad, director of the Youth and Volunteers Department at PRCS was killed at the Society’s headquarters, on the same site.

Hedaya had been rushing to rescue the injured displaced people who were sheltering at PRCS HQ after becoming injured in the conflict. Her PRCS colleagues said:

“Until the last breath, Hedaya embodied the meanings of sacrifice, humanity and volunteerism that she has always believed in throughout her life and the course of her work and volunteering.”

In February, Mohammed Al-Omari - who had volunteered with PRCS for 23 years - was killed while evacuating wounded people from hospitals. He leaves behind three young children and ‘embodied the values of humanity with his boundless dedication’.

Another PRCS volunteer, Ameer Subhi Abu Aisha, was also killed at Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis. He was supporting emergency operations in Gaza – a vital part of the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s humanitarian response.

Recently, the body of nurse Mohammed Abed, was found during the evacuation of PRCS Al-Amal Hospital by medical teams and patients.

His colleagues say that Mohammed ‘continued to provide medical services to patients and the wounded’.

And on Saturday 20 April, Mohammed Awad Allah Musa was killed, while providing medical support to injured people in the town of Al Sawiya in the Nablus district.

#Not a target

Every day, MDA and PRCS staff and volunteers like Amit, Aharon, Ahmed, Hedaya and Mohammed, continue to tirelessly support those affected by this conflict, alongside countless other aid workers.

They’ve made it clear to us at the British Red Cross that when they respond to calls, they don’t know if they’re going to come home. We are in awe of the dedication of the MDA and PRCS volunteers and paramedics who’ve lost family members yet continue to respond, supported by other colleagues from within the Movement.

Not only do they risk their peace of mind, but also their lives. As first responders, they run into dangerous situations and treat the wounded. They see things that we cannot imagine. Because they care deeply about other people.

Under international humanitarian law, healthcare workers, patients and medical facilities must be protected, along with the red cross, red crescent and red crystal emblems. Humanitarian relief workers are likewise protected.

They are #not a target

MDA, PRCS and ICRC colleagues lost in this conflict

Our thoughts are with families, friends and colleagues affected by these deaths.

Magen David Adom

• Aharon Haimov
• Avia Hezroni
• Amit Mann
• Ronen Tommy Angel

Palestine Red Crescent Society

• Khalil Al-Sharif
• Yousry Al-Masry
• Ahmed Dahman
• Hatem Awad
• Youssef Abu Muammar
• Fadi Fouad Al-Maani
• Islam Abu Riyala
• Fouad Abu Khamash
• Naeem Hasan Al-Jabali
• Khalid Kulab
• Hedaya Hamad
• Mohammed Al-Omari
• Youssef Zaino
• Ahmed Al-Madhoun
• Ameer Subhi Abu Aisha
• Mohammad Maher Khalil Abed
• Mohammed Abdul Latif Abu Saeed
• Mohammed Awad Allah Musa

ICRC

• Abdellatif Ali Moussa