KUALA LUMPUR, 6 August 2025 – The Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) expresses its deep concern over the recent attack involving the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) headquarters in Khan Younis, Gaza, which resulted in the tragic death of PRCS staff member Omar Isleem and injuries to two other staff including a civilian who was assisting in extinguishing a fire at the premises.

The facility, clearly marked with the Red Crescent emblem, protected under universally agreed rules of international humanitarian law, was reportedly struck multiple times, with the second and ground floors hit while PRCS teams were evacuating the premises and working to contain the fire.

This brings the total number of PRCS staff and volunteers killed during the conflict to 51. Of these, 31 were killed while on duty including 29 in Gaza and two in the West Bank, all wearing the Red Crescent emblem that should have guaranteed their protection under international humanitarian law. This is a deeply alarming and unacceptable incident.

We express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Omar Isleem, to the PRCS and to all those who continue to risk their lives to deliver critical aid and healthcare under the most dangerous circumstances. We also wish a swift and full recovery to those injured in this latest attack.

YTM Dato’ Seri DiRaja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz binti Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Tunku Temenggong Kedah, National Chairperson of the MRC, said, “The loss of yet another humanitarian personnel in Gaza is not only heartbreaking but utterly unacceptable. These individuals risk their lives every day to uphold the values of humanity. The pain and loss are felt by all 191 Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies across the world. We stand in full solidarity with our brothers and sisters at the Palestine Red Crescent Society during this dark hour.”

Dato’ Danial Iskandar bin Abd Rahman, Secretary General of the MRC, said, “What happened in Khan Younis is a grave breach of international humanitarian law and an attack on the sanctity of impartial and neutral humanitarian action. The Red Cross and Red Crescent emblem must never be a target. We urge all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to protect those who wear the Red Crescent emblem in service of humanity.”

For almost two years, the PRCS has been providing ambulance services and critical healthcare under relentless and extremely dangerous conditions in Gaza, caring for the many wounded amidst continuous hostilities. With the healthcare system on the brink of collapse and medical resources nearly depleted, the PRCS team remain a lifeline for civilians in desperate need of life-saving support. Any attack on their facilities or personnel is an attack on humanitarian assistance itself.

This incident is a stark reminder of the dire and unacceptable conditions facing humanitarian workers and civilians in Gaza.

The MRC stands in full solidarity with the PRCS.

We reiterate our calls that:

▪ Civilians must be protected.
▪ Humanitarian personnel must be protected.
▪ Civilian infrastructure and hospitals/medical facilities must be protected.
▪ The Red Cross and Red Crescent emblem must be respected and protected.

There are no excuses.

DATO’ DANIAL ISKANDAR BIN ABDUL RAHMAN
Secretary General