A Palestinian man working for the World Health Organization was killed by Israeli gunfire in Gaza on Monday, in accordance with his colleagues and a health care provider who acquired his physique.
Majdi Aslan, 54, was driving an “internationally assigned vehicle with international markings” alongside Salah al-Din Road –the primary north-south road in Gaza – when it got here below hearth, stated Dr. Fathi Al-Loulou.
Another WHO worker, Raed Aslan, advised NCS that the car was on its option to evacuate sufferers when it was struck. It was marked with the World Health Organization emblem “from all sides,” he stated.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in a press release, gave a differing account of the incident and didn’t acknowledge the demise.
It stated its troops “identified an unmarked vehicle approaching them and the Yellow Line, posing an immediate threat,” referring to the boundary between Israeli-controlled Gaza and the remainder of the strip.
“In response, the troops fired warning shots. The vehicle continued to accelerate toward the troops, who then responded with additional fire that hit the vehicle. A preliminary check indicated that two local Gazan employees of the WHO were present in the vehicle and injured,” the assertion added.
NCS has requested the IDF for additional remark.
WHO Director General Tedros Ghebreyesu stated the group was “devastated” to verify Aslan’s demise in a “security incident,” noting that two WHO staffers had been current however not injured.
Ghebreyesu didn’t title Israeli forces in the assertion. “The incident is under investigation by the relevant authorities,” he stated.
Aslan’s physique was transferred to Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza, the place NCS footage confirmed grief-stricken males crowding round him.
“Wake up, dad, wake up!” one man shouted in disbelief.
“He works for an international organization, under international sponsorship, but the occupation is merciless and indiscriminate…it was a targeted attack,” Al-Loulou stated, calling it a warfare crime.
This month marks six months since a ceasefire got here into impact in Gaza, a pause that assist organizations say exists in title solely.
Since the ceasefire started, over 700 Palestinians have been killed, together with a minimum of 100 kids, in accordance with the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) has additionally reported a large lower in assist vehicles coming into the territory, resulting in shortages in meals and humanitarian assist.
According to the WHO, greater than 18,500 essential sufferers nonetheless want medical evacuation out of Gaza, together with round 4,000 kids.