ICRC Decries the Shooting of its Humanitarian Convoy in Gaza

 

“Jerusalem (ICRC) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is deeply troubled that its humanitarian convoy in Gaza City came under fire on Tuesday. The ICRC reminds the parties of their obligation under international humanitarian law to respect and protect humanitarian workers at all times.

The convoy of five trucks and two ICRC vehicles was carrying lifesaving medical supplies to health facilities, including to Al Quds hospital of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, when it was hit by fire. Two trucks were damaged, and a driver was lightly wounded.

"These are not the conditions under which humanitarian personnel can work," said William Schomburg, the head of the ICRC delegation in Gaza. "We are here to bring urgent assistance to civilians in need. Ensuring that vital assistance can reach medical facilities is a legal obligation under international humanitarian law."

After the incident the convoy altered its route and reached Al Shifa hospital where it delivered the medical supplies. Afterward, the ICRC convoy accompanied six ambulances with critically wounded patients to the Rafah crossing.”

SWAHILI

"Jerusalem (ICRC) - Kamati ya Kimataifa ya Msalaba Mwekundu (ICRC) imekiri kuwa na wasiwasi na kusumbuliwa kwa msafara wake unaotoa misaada ya kibinadamu katika jiji la Gaza, ICRC imesema kuwa siku ya Jumanne msafara wake ulishambuliwa kwa Risasi. Kutokana na wasiwasi ICRC imezikumbusha pande husika wajibu wao chini ya sheria ya kimataifa ya kibinadamu ya kuheshimu na kulinda wafanyakazi wakati wote.

Msafara wa malori matano na magari mawili ya ICRC ulikuwa umebeba vifaa vya matibabu vya kuokoa maisha ya watu kwenye vituo vya afya, ikiwa ni pamoja na hospitali ya Al Quds ya Palestinian Red Crescent Society, wakati uliposhambuliwa na moto. Malori mawili yaliharibika, na dereva alijeruhiwa kidogo.

"Haya sio mazingira mazuri kwa wafanyakazi wanaohusika na kutoa misaada ya kibinadamu (huduma ya kwanza)," alisema William Schomburg, mwakilishi bodi ya ICRC huko Gaza. "Tuko hapa kuleta msaada wa haraka kwa raia wanaohitaji. Kuhakikisha kwamba msaada muhimu unaweza kufikia vituo vya matibabu ni wajibu wa kisheria chini ya sheria za kimataifa za binadamu." 

Baada ya tukio hilo msafara huo ulibadili njia na kufika hospitali ya Al Shifa ambako ulipeleka vifaa vya matibabu. Baadaye, msafara wa ICRC uliambatana na gari maalumu za wagonjwa (ambulance) sita na wagonjwa waliojeruhiwa vibaya hadi kwenye kivuko cha Rafah.