A Red Cross building in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, was struck by an Israeli projectile today, causing damage and raising concerns about safety in the area. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said the incident happened in the Al-Mawasi neighborhood, west of Rafah, and thankfully, no one was hurt. But it’s still a big deal because it’s making it tougher for the Red Cross to help people in need.
What Went Down?
Reports say an Israeli tank fired a shell that hit the ICRC office, which was clearly marked with the group’s flag—a big red cross that’s supposed to show it’s a safe, neutral spot.
The building caught fire after the strike, and while the flames were put out, the damage left the Red Cross worried about keeping their work going. “We’re really upset about this,” the ICRC said in a statement. “This hits our ability to do our job right when people need us most.”
Posts on X lit up with the news, with people saying things like: “An Israeli tank shelled the Red Cross HQ in Rafah—how does this keep happening?”
Others called it “reprehensible,” pointing out how the building was obviously a humanitarian site.
Why It’s a Big Deal
Rafah’s been a hotspot in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with lots of fighting and airstrikes shaking things up. The Red Cross has been a lifeline there, helping folks caught in the middle with medical care and supplies.
This isn’t the first time their buildings have been hit—back in June 2024, shells landed near another ICRC spot in Gaza, killing 22 people nearby. Each time, it’s a reminder of how tricky it is to stay safe while helping out.
The ICRC didn’t point fingers directly at Israel in their statement, but they made it clear they’d told everyone involved where their office was. Israel’s military hasn’t said much yet, but they’ve been active in Rafah, targeting what they call Hamas hideouts.
The trouble is, these strikes sometimes hit places like this, making life even harder for regular people.
What People Are Saying
Folks on X were quick to react. One person wrote: “Everything in Gaza’s a target now—even the Red Cross isn’t safe.”
Another said: “This is awful. They’re supposed to be protected.”
The buzz online shows how frustrated and shocked people are that a place meant to help got caught in the crossfire.
What’s Next?
The Red Cross is figuring out how to keep going despite the damage. With Rafah already a mess—tons of people displaced and hospitals barely hanging on—this hit could make things even tougher.
No word yet on whether Israel will look into what happened, but the ICRC is hoping everyone respects their space so they can keep helping.
For now, it’s another rough day in Gaza, where even the helpers are feeling the heat.