Global aid group asks warring forces to respect its neutrality with 24 of its aid workers killed

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies asked state forces and combatants Thursday to respect its neutrality and work of delivering humanitarian help to the most destitute in war and other high-risk zones, saying 24 of its aid workers had been killed so far this year mostly in the Gaza Strip.

IFRC President Kate Forbes, who is visiting the Philippines, said in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that two of her group’s aid workers, Palestine Red Crescent Society paramedics Haitham Tubasi and Suhail Hassouna, were killed Wednesday in the latest incident when their ambulance was hit west of Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city.

It was not immediately clear what hit the ambulance, which was clearly marked with the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s emblem. The two paramedics were on duty when they were killed in the Tal Al-Sultan area in Rafah, the IFRC said in a statement.

“I am heartbroken,” Forbes said. “This is not okay. This must stop.”

Palestinians reported heavy fighting in the border city Wednesday and Israel’s military said it seized control of the entire length of Gaza’s border with Egypt.

The fighting in Rafah has already forced more than 1 million Palestinians to flee, most of whom had already been displaced in the war between Israel and Hamas. They’re seeking refuge in makeshift tent camps and other war-ravaged areas, where they lack shelter, food, water and other essentials for survival, according to the United Nations.

Forbes told The Associated Press in an interview in Manila Wednesday that governments should act responsibly and abide by the rules of armed conflict, including the Geneva Conventions, referring to the international treaties drawn up