On World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, the Palestinian Red Crescent issued a grave reminder of the mounting toll of the war on Gaza: more than 1,400 medical and humanitarian workers have been killed since the beginning of the genocide. Among them are 48 members of the Red Crescent itself, 30 of whom lost their lives while carrying out their duties in Gaza and the West Bank.

In southern Gaza’s Rafah Governorate alone, eight paramedics were killed this year. As bombs continue to fall on hospitals and ambulances, the Red Crescent warns that its staff and facilities are being systematically targeted, in clear defiance of international humanitarian law.

Speaking during a solidarity march, Dr Younis Al-Khatib, President of the Palestinian Red Crescent, called for accountability. “Civilians and healthcare teams in Gaza are being deliberately attacked,” he said. “This is not a tragedy to observe in silence — this is a crime demanding justice.”

The organisation also raised alarm over the disappearance of three of its employees, detained by Israeli forces and missing for over a year. It called on the international community and UN bodies to urgently intervene, protect medical personnel, and uphold the sanctity of humanitarian work.

For Palestinians, the emblem of the Red Crescent symbolises life and hope — both of which are being crushed under siege and bombardment. The call is clear: enough silence, enough complicity. It is time for the world to stand up for those who have risked everything to save others.