PRCS Condemns the Direct Targeting of its emergency medical teams in the Gaza Strip

(Al-Bireh – 10/4/2018): PRCS condemns the direct targeting with live ammunition of volunteer medic Imad Al Bihisi while in the line of duty on April 9, 2018. Al Bihisi had to undergo surgery after sustaining a serious injury in the foot.

Since March 30th, 21 members of its emergency medical teams have been wounded, with 19 suffering from tear gas suffocation or sustaining wounds caused by tear gas canisters, while two others were shot with live ammunition and sustained injuries in the thigh and the foot, respectively.

In addition to the direct targeting of its teams, PRCS is the victim of a wide incitement campaign, in which Israeli Defence Minister Aigdor Lieberman accused Palestinians on April 7, 2018 of using ambulances and the Red Crescent emblem to achieve non-humanitarian ends. These false accusations are used to encourage and justify the targeting of Palestinian medical missions in general, and of PRCS in particular.

PRCS expresses its grave concern over the deliberate targeting of emergency medical teams in the line of duty while under the protection of the Society’s emblem and uniform. Such practices constitute a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law provisions, especially those stating that the occupying power should facilitate the work of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies.