ICRC denounces bombings near humanitarian structures in Gaza – JURIST

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Friday condemned the bombing which took place near its office in Gaza, killing 22 people and injuring 45 others who had taken refuge near the building.

In a statement on X, the ICRC did not identify the perpetrator of the attack but condemned the shooting near humanitarian structures. They stressed that parties to the conflict are required to take all “possible precautions to avoid harm to civilians and damage to civilian objects” under international law.

The health ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, gave a different figure, reporting that 25 people had lost their lives and 50 others were injured due to the bombings. The ministry attributed the attack to Israeli forces.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), on the other hand, stated that “no direct attack was carried out by the IDF against any Red Cross facility.” Nonetheless, the military stressed that the incident would be promptly investigated and the findings shared with their international partners. The Israeli military also indicated that it was committed to providing security for international organizations in Gaza.

On Saturday, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also condemned the attack. He underlined the EU's position in calling for a thorough and independent investigation to uncover the details and circumstances surrounding the incident. Borrell stressed the importance of accountability, urging those responsible for the attack to be held accountable.

The attack on the ICRC is not the first to affect humanitarian organizations. In May, it was reported that more than 250 aid workers had been killed in Gaza since October 7. Under customary international law, civilian humanitarian personnel are protected against attacks according to the principle of distinction. Prohibiting attacks against civilian humanitarian personnel is necessary to ensure access of humanitarian aid to civilians in need and to protect the wounded and sick of armed forces. In cases of violations of international humanitarian law (IHL), States are required to prosecute the alleged perpetrators. Furthermore, serious violations of IHL are considered war crimes within the meaning of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.