In a devastating revelation, the United Nations has reported that Israeli forces killed 15 Palestinian paramedics and rescue workers in a harrowing incident “one by one” in southern Gaza. This tragedy unfolded on March 23, during a renewed military offensive near the Egyptian border, when the aid workers, including at least one UN employee, were attempting to rescue colleagues injured earlier that day.

According to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the paramedics were traveling in clearly marked vehicles belonging to the Palestinian Red Crescent when they were targeted by heavy fire in Rafah’s Tel al-Sultan district. Disturbingly, evidence has emerged that at least one individual among the casualties was detained and executed, as one body was discovered with hands tied.

Jonathan Whittall, head of OCHA in Palestine, described the grim scene in a video statement: “Seven days ago, civil defense and PRCS ambulances arrived at the scene. One by one, they were systematically struck. Their bodies were gathered and buried in a mass grave.” Whittall expressed horror at the loss, stating, “They were here to save lives. Instead, they ended up buried in a mass grave.”

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), confirmed that one of their own employees was among those killed in Rafah, describing the discovery of their lifeless bodies as a profound violation of human dignity.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have claimed that their troops fired on the vehicles because they were “advancing suspiciously” without headlights or emergency signals, insisting that movement in the area required prior coordination. However, the Red Crescent contended that the Tel al-Sultan district was considered safe, with no such coordination needed.

Adding to the chaos, the IDF also claimed responsibility for the deaths of several militants from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the same area. They did not provide further clarification on whether the alleged militants were among those working as paramedics or involved in other operations.

Tragically, the horrors continued as a convoy attempting to retrieve the bodies of victims came under attack. Comprised of emergency vehicles and personnel, this convoy faced brutal fire, resulting in more casualties. Eyewitness accounts from Dr. Bashar Murad of the Red Crescent highlighted a chilling moment when a paramedic on the phone reported being shot at, indicating that many medical staff were still alive at that time.

Despite requests for help, the recovery of bodies was reportedly delayed by the IDF, who stated logistical challenges were present. Eventually, after arduous efforts, the bodies were recovered, some showing signs of decomposition, as they had been hastily buried in the sand, seemingly thrown together in a mass grave.

The brutal killings constitute the single deadliest incident for Red Cross or Red Crescent workers since 2017, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Jagan Chapagain, the organization’s secretary general, lamented, “These dedicated ambulance workers were responding to wounded people. They were humanitarians… Their ambulances were clearly marked, and they wore emblems that should have protected them.”

As tensions escalate in the region, international calls for accountability and protection for healthcare workers continue to grow. The shocking accounts of brutality have sent ripples through humanitarian organizations and the global community, emphasizing the dire need for an end to violence against those who dedicate their lives to saving others.