Bond statement in reaction to the killing of paramedics and humanitarian workers in Gaza
On 23 March 2025, five ambulances, a fire truck and a UN vehicle carrying paramedics and humanitarian workers in Gaza were struck by Israeli forces, killing eight Palestinian medics, six Civil Defence first responders and a UN staff member. It has been reported that the 15 bodies were recovered from a “mass grave” on Sunday 30 March.
Following the horrific event and the emergence of a video proving the ambulances were clearly marked when Israeli troops opened fire, Bond’s CEO Romilly Greenhill said:
We strongly condemn the killing of Palestinian paramedics and humanitarian workers in Gaza by Israeli forces. Attacks on medical personnel are serious violations of international humanitarian law, and critically impede essential humanitarian operations. Healthcare and humanitarian workers must be protected and allowed to carry out their duties without fear of attack or obstruction.
Considering previous calls for investigations into the reporting of abuses have yet to deliver accountability, we urgently call on the UK government to utilise all of its diplomatic tools, including sanctions against those responsible and the suspension of weapon sales. Any rhetoric needs to be followed up with concrete action that upholds international humanitarian law, protects the medical personnel and ensures vital humanitarian access to communities facing unimaginable hardship and suffering. We also urge the UK government to increase diplomatic pressure to secure unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza.
ENDS.
Notes for editors
- Many of Bond’s member organisations are actively working in, or have recently worked in some form in Gaza providing humanitarian assistance to civilians.
- Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 350 civil society organisations from across the UK, and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice.
- For further information or interviews, please contact Jess Salter at [email protected] or call 07392972411.
