In brief
"The mother of paramedic Rifaat Radwan, killed during an Israeli attack in Gaza, reveals the family's heartbreak and calls for justice, as investigations into the incident unfold amidst ongoing violence."
"My heart and soul died when Rifaat was killed," remembers Hajjah Umm Mohammed, the grief-stricken mother of 23-year-old paramedic Rifaat Radwan, one of 15 emergency workers gunned down by Israeli troops. The tragedy happened while they were traveling in a convoy of ambulances near Rafah on March 23.Describing her shock at her son’s death, Umm Mohammed said she never anticipated he would be killed since that area was classified as 'green', indicating it was safe for ambulances. The Israeli military claimed that they opened fire on the convoy due to its “suspicious” approach at night. However, video evidence discovered on Rifaat's phone contradicts this, showing that lights were on as the ambulances responded to a call for help.In his final moments, Rifaat can be heard expressing his love and dedication to his humanitarian work, seeking forgiveness from his mother as gunfire erupted around him. Reflecting on his bravery, Umm Mohammed stated, “I entrusted Rifaat to God every time he went out to work.”Rifaat, who had volunteered with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) since the onset of the military campaign following a significant Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, had previously transported wounded individuals across the Rafah border.On the day he was killed, he was responding to reports of casualties from an Israeli airstrike, unaware that he himself would soon become a victim. His body, alongside those of his colleagues, was discovered a week later, having been buried in a shallow grave.Instead of celebrating Eid al-Fitr with her son, Umm Mohammed was left to go to a hospital to retrieve his decomposed remains, a stark contrast to the joy the holiday typically brings. “He was an absolutely beautiful human being and the sole supporter of our family,” she expressed.Eyewitness accounts and footage of the incident have sparked outrage, and the PRCS demanded an independent investigation into what they describe as deliberate attacks constituting war crimes. As the calls for accountability grow, it has been reported that over 100 shots were fired during the medics’ attack—despite assurances from the IDF that a full examination of the incident would take place.Surviving paramedic Munther Abed recounted the horror of that day, witnessing his colleagues' deaths and enduring a harsh interrogation from Israeli forces afterward. Both he and Umm Mohammed are determined to ensure that the truth surrounding their losses emerges.Despite the chaos, Munther delivered a poignant message of solidarity: “I wished I had died from the horror of what I saw. They were my second family... my brothers, my friends, my loved ones.” Amidst the flames of this ongoing conflict, the demand for respect towards humanitarian workers remains clear and vital.
