Their names were Mostafa Khufaga, Saleh Muamer, Ezzedine Shaath, Mohammad Bahloul, Mohammed Al-Heila, Ashraf Abu Labda, Raed Al Sharif and Rifatt Radwan. They gave their lives to help others, trusting that the international emblems they bore would protect them. Tragically, they were wrong. They died alongside other medical and humanitarian workers from the Civil Defence and the UN, while working in one of the deadliest places for humanitarian and medical workers in the world, at a time when attacks are at a record high.  

This appalling attack is the deadliest on Red Cross Red Crescent personnel since 2017. Over the past 17 months, 30 colleagues from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society have lost their lives. However, the issue extends far beyond Gaza. From Sudan to DRC and Ukraine, more than 560 aid workers have been killed, making 2023 and 2024 the deadliest years on record for casualties amongst humanitarian workers. 

The majority of those killed are local staff and volunteers – people who, while themselves are victims of the ongoing conflict, choose to serve their communities in the most challenging of circumstances. As armed conflict becomes more protracted, urbanised and complex, the risks to medical and humanitarian workers have dramatically increased. No matter how complex a conflict, however, the rules of war do not change, and the obligations on parties to a conflict are clear and well-established under international humanitarian law.  

The consequences of these attacks go beyond the devastating loss of life. There are severe impacts for vulnerable populations. Attacks disrupt the delivery of essential aid and services to populations who need it most. Fewer skilled medics, fewer first responders, fewer humanitarians means increased suffering and more lives lost. And as these attacks increase, a chilling effect is created, deterring aid workers from entering the field. 

Yet, around the world, individuals choose to carry out this vital work and continue to believe. They believe in the principles of humanity and voluntary service. They believe in the laws that were set out to allow them to carry out their work. Laws that every country in the world has agreed to uphold. Laws that say they must not be a target; they must be protected. Laws that say unequivocally “don’t shoot”. 

Ultimately, the killing of aid workers affects us all. The loss is not just felt by their families and communities, but by all of humanity. 

ENDS

The Irish Red Cross is part of the world’s leading humanitarian organisation. It is dedicated to supporting communities in Ireland and abroad. It operates 73 branches almost nationwide in Ireland, with the support of nearly 4,000 volunteers. From disaster preparedness and emergency response to health and wellbeing support, the Irish Red Cross ensures communities are equipped to handle crises and recover with dignity.