The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has now led to the bombing of the Qatari Red Crescent Society (QRCS) offices in Gaza. The organisation, focused on providing humanitarian services for victims of conflict, was hit by an Israeli air raid on 17 May. Two Palestinians died as a result of the attack while wounding 10 others. The QRCS was stationed in Gaza in order to provide relief for victims of the ongoing violence. Israeli forces have also targeted the employees and facilities of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) or Doctors Without Borders.
The attacks perpetrated by Israel on facilities like QRCS and MSF reflect the long-standing tensions between the two countries as a result of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian Territory. Gaza, a region that is ruled by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, has frequently clashed with Israeli authorities whom they believe unfairly occupy Palestinian land. As a result, the ongoing tensions have now escalated to a series of violent airstrikes that target civilians, media and humanitarian institutions situated within the Gaza strip. Gaza has countered these aggressions with airstrikes of its own, seeking to retaliate against Israel.
The Israeli airstrike on the QRCS offices in Gaza has since been condemned by both the Qatar Red Crescent and its Secretary-General, Ali bin Hassan Al-Hammadi, for its violation of the Geneva Conventions. Israel has been criticized internationally for its bombings on international media and humanitarian institutions, with the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling for an immediate de-escalation of conflict. In an attempt to aid those affected by the most recent attacks, the Qatar Red Crescent has allocated roughly $1 million to provide basic needs for victims affected by the violence.
To know more, please read:
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/05/1092042
Author: Emily Herstine; Editor: Andrew Goodell
