IFRC outraged by the killing of a Palestine Red Crescent colleague in Gaza

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is outraged by the killing of Hussein Hassan Hussein Al-Samiri, a dedicated paramedic with the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). Hussein was killed while performing life-saving humanitarian duties in Khan Younis during an attack in the Al-Mawasi area, on 4 February 2026.

The IFRC sends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues and expresses its full solidarity with PRCS.

Humanitarian workers and medical personnel must be respected and protected at all times to ensure life-saving assistance can reach people in need.

The Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems are symbols of protection, humanity, neutrality, and hope. Yet too often, our volunteers and staff are killed while performing life-saving work. The loss of Hussein is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

The IFRC calls for the protection of civilians, humanitarian workers and medical personnel: it is a legal and moral obligation.

This tragedy brings the number of PRCS staff and volunteers killed in the line of duty to 30 in Gaza and 2 in the West Bank since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023.

Australian Red Cross stands with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and with our colleagues in the Palestine Red Crescent Society. As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, we condemn the killing of humanitarian workers and reiterate our call for the protection of civilians, medical personnel and aid workers, in line with international humanitarian law. No one should lose their life for helping others.

For media inquiries please contact media@redcross.org.au, 1800 733 443.