The Palestinian Red Crescent reported on Sunday that it had retrieved the remains of 15 emergency responders who perished a week ago when Israeli forces struck ambulances in Gaza. The victims included eight paramedics from the Red Crescent, six civil defense personnel, and a staff member of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA). Another medic is still unaccounted for.

According to the Red Crescent, the medical crew was on its way to aid wounded civilians in Rafah when they were fatally targeted. The organization denounced the attack as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. The bodies were found buried under layers of sand, some already showing signs of decay.

The Israeli military admitted to opening fire on ambulances, justifying the action by claiming they were being misused by Hamas. They stated that troops initially targeted Hamas-affiliated vehicles and later fired at additional “suspicious” transporters, including emergency vehicles.

The United Nations condemned the attack, with officials highlighting the deadly toll on medical personnel and civilians. Reports confirm that hospitals, ambulances, and rescue workers have been struck since hostilities resumed on March 18.

The Hamas-controlled health ministry estimates that over 921 individuals have died due to renewed Israeli airstrikes. With medical teams in the crosshairs, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen.