The US has expressed support for international humanitarian law, stating that “all parties on the ground” in Gaza should comply with it. However, officials declined to confirm whether a US assessment was underway into the killing of 15 people by Israeli forces.
According to the UN’s humanitarian agency, five ambulances and other vehicles were struck in separate incidents on March 23, leading to 15 deaths, including paramedics wearing their uniforms. The Israeli military claimed that its troops fired at vehicles “advancing suspiciously” without headlights or emergency signals, but did not comment on reports of bodies being gathered in a mass grave.
International humanitarian law prohibits targeting civilians and requires specific protection for medical personnel. Both the US and Israel are bound by laws prohibiting the use of their weapons by foreign militaries in breach of humanitarian law.
Jonathan Whittall, head of the UN’s humanitarian agency in Gaza, condemned the killing of healthcare workers, calling it an “absolute horror.” Over 1,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the Israeli military renewed its campaign on March 18. The conflict has resulted in more than 50,350 deaths and over 1,200 hostages taken during a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023.
The situation remains dire, with ongoing violence and multiple reported incidents of civilians being targeted by both sides.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq80x0z2evvo