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GEVEVA, July 26, 2014 – (WAFA) – The International Committee of the Red Cross vehemently condemned Friday the killing of an emergency medical worker and wounding three others, one critically, when two ambulances from the Palestine Red Crescent Society came under Israeli attack today in Beit Hanoun.

In a news release, Head of ICRC delegation for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories Jacques de Maio said: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the attacks against medical personnel and ambulances which have occurred in Gaza over the past two weeks.”

The ambulances were clearly marked with the Red Crescent emblem. He added: “Targeting ambulances, hospitals and medical workers is a serious violation of the law of war. Palestinian Red Crescent volunteers are out there saving lives. This violence must stop.”

The ICRC concluded the press statement by reminding all parties, particularly Israel, of their obligation to respect and to protect medical personnel and facilities and ambulances, as stipulated by international humanitarian law.

“The parties to the conflict must ensure that medical personnel are not endangered or harmed and that hospitals and ambulances not attacked, damaged or misused,” it said.

K.F./T.R.