The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has halted its medical missions in Gaza for 48 hours due to safety concerns amid alleged mistreatment by the Israeli military, according to a statement released Monday.
The suspension affects areas where Israeli forces are present, with PRCS accusing Israel of not adhering to agreed-upon procedures for humanitarian missions, despite prior coordination.
An incident on Sunday, where an evacuation convoy was reportedly delayed for over seven hours, prompted the decision, despite the convoy’s pre-approved route and personnel details.
PRCS relies on third-party coordination, typically with organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Health Organization, and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, to ensure safety permits in IDF-controlled areas.
Gaza faces an escalating humanitarian crisis since Israel’s military operations following Hamas’ October 7 attack, resulting in over 1,200 deaths. Healthcare infrastructure is strained, with shortages of vital supplies and reports of aid workers being detained by Israeli forces.
The situation led to a halt in some UN food aid deliveries to northern Gaza, exacerbated by Israeli fire on a UN convoy and subsequent looting and gunfire.
The UN Relief and Works Agency and the World Food Programme have expressed grave concerns, citing a “collapse of civil order” and the risk of famine. They paused aid deliveries but aim to resume as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration and loss of life.
