Red Cross says humanitarian convoy came under gunfire in Gaza

GAZA CITY, Palestine

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Tuesday its humanitarian convoy came under gunfire in Gaza City.

The ICRC “is deeply troubled that its humanitarian convoy in Gaza City came under fire on Tuesday,” the organization said in a statement.

“The ICRC reminds the parties of their obligation under international humanitarian law to respect and protect humanitarian workers at all times.”

It said 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.

The statement did not specify the source of the gunfire.

“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.”