The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has reported that thirty of its members have lost their lives in Gaza since October 7. The latest casualty, PRCS member Issam Rouhi Mohammed Aqel, was killed when his home in Al-Bureij refugee camp was targeted. This tragic incident brings the total number of PRCS staff fatalities to 30, with 17 of them losing their lives while carrying out humanitarian duties.
PRCS has faced numerous challenges in its humanitarian efforts. In February, the organization had to halt coordinated medical missions in Gaza for 48 hours due to concerns about the safety of its teams, as well as the wounded and sick individuals they were assisting.
The group has accused the Israeli military of mistreating its staff and patients, and failing to adhere to agreed-upon procedures and coordination mechanisms with United Nations agencies for humanitarian missions.
