Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defense, described the relentless attacks on rescue teams, highlighting that Israeli forces have deliberately targeted their personnel, turning them into direct victims of the conflict. Since the beginning of the war, 111 Civil Defense members have been killed while delivering aid to civilians, with the most recent attack occurring in Rafah.

Basal emphasized the severe psychological toll these attacks have on the rescue teams but noted that they continue their work under extremely difficult conditions. “Rapid response,” once a foundational principle of their work, has become nearly impossible due to the lack of resources, constant danger, and limited access to high-risk areas. This has resulted in tragic scenes of innocent lives lost under rubble, unable to be saved in time.

The destruction of over 85 percent of Civil Defense resources by Israeli forces has crippled their ability to respond effectively to the widespread devastation. Basal pointed out that their capacity to carry out rescue operations is now vastly inadequate compared to the scale of destruction in Gaza.

The lack of protection for these humanitarian teams is a critical issue. Basal recounted how their vehicles are often damaged, and in some cases, they have no fuel to reach affected areas. “We’re forced to walk to the bombing sites. It’s absurd, but it’s the only option we have,” he said. The absence of heavy machinery further limits their ability to rescue survivors trapped in multi-story buildings, leaving them to hear the desperate cries of those they cannot reach.

Despite these dire conditions, Basal made it clear that the Civil Defense teams are motivated by a deep sense of moral responsibility. They have been threatened with expulsion from Gaza but have refused to leave. "We will not abandon our people," he asserted, explaining that they rely on their own assessments of the situation since Israeli maps often render their rescue efforts impossible.

The situation has become even more dire due to the ongoing Israeli blockade, which has cut off Gaza’s crossings and fuel supplies since March 2. Without sufficient fuel, Basal warned that the Civil Defense's ability to continue life-saving operations will collapse in the coming days, urging the international community to push for the entry of necessary resources.