Eid Marked by Tragedy: Dozens Killed in Gaza, Medics' Bodies Recovered
Gaza witnessed a devastating start to Eid al-Fitr as Israeli forces killed at least 64 Palestinians, including children, according to Palestinian officials. The violence coincided with the recovery of the bodies of 14 aid workers, highlighting the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) announced the recovery of eight medics, five civil defense personnel, and a United Nations employee. Their vehicles were reportedly targeted by Israeli fire near Rafah, in southern Gaza, a week prior. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) condemned the incident, labeling it the "single most deadly attack" on its workers globally since 2017.
The toll of the ongoing conflict continues to mount. Gaza's Health Ministry reports that at least 50,277 Palestinians have been killed and 114,095 wounded in the conflict. However, Gaza's Government Media Office, in an update provided two months ago, placed the death toll at over 61,700, suggesting that thousands more, presumed dead under rubble, remain unaccounted for.
The current conflict began following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,139 people in Israel and the capture of more than 200 individuals.
The killings on Eid, a day of celebration for Muslims worldwide, have drawn widespread condemnation and further intensified calls for an immediate ceasefire. The recovery of the aid workers' bodies underscores the perilous conditions faced by humanitarian personnel attempting to provide assistance in the war-torn region. The international community continues to grapple with the escalating violence and the immense human suffering in Gaza.