'Bridge of life': Gaza mourns paramedics killed in Israeli strike

Israeli forces killed at least three paramedics, a journalist, and dozens of others on Monday evening in a wave of attacks across Gaza, according to multiple reports.

The paramedics were killed while attempting to rescue wounded civilians in the al-Mahata area of the Tuffah neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.

The journalist, identified as Moamen Abu al-Auf, was with the paramedics at the time of the strike.

Tributes poured in online, where many mourned the victims and cited the killings as further evidence of atrocities committed by Israel in the besieged enclave.

The paramedics were described as "heroic rescuers", with Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al-Sharif writing on X: "Minutes before they ascended, I was with them."

"Lived among people, accompanying them in every situation, in massacres, in hope, in sorrow, in survival, and in final farewells. They did not leave the field, nor did they seek comfort or safety, but rather chose to be a bridge of life in the midst of death," he posted.

Al-Sharif said the paramedics had just transported victims from the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood and were returning to continue their work when a warplane struck the crowded area, killing them.

Social media users shared images of the paramedics during past rescue missions, carrying children from the rubble, and praised their courage.

"These are paramedic heroes who were martyred while fulfilling their humanitarian duty. The criminal Israeli occupation spares no one -killing medics, children, women, and every soul that breathes," one X user said.

Others highlighted that the victims "carried no weapons - only bandages, medical kits, and hope. They ran toward danger to save lives," calling for accountability and enforcement of international law.

Medical sources said airstrikes also hit several buildings, including the Al-Shaarawy and Al-Haddad, killing and injuring civilians.

Israeli warplanes also bombed tents sheltering displaced people in al-Katiba Square in Gaza City, killing several more. Reports say at least 65 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since Monday morning, including children.

Eyewitnesses told local media that Israeli forces targeted homes and densely populated areas, with strikes continuing throughout the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha.

Following a drone strike on tents housing displaced families in al-Hayat camp, west of Khan Younis, Hamas called on the UN Security Council and international community to act urgently to end the war.

In a statement, the group accused Israel of pursuing a "policy of starvation and genocide", targeting civilians near aid distribution centres in Rafah and Gaza City.

Last month, Medical Aid for Palestinians reported that at least 1,400 health workers have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7. Paramedics have been repeatedly targeted throughout the war.

Israel’s assault on Gaza has killed over 61,700 Palestinians and devastated much of the enclave. The war has triggered a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe, collapsing the healthcare system and leaving large parts of the Strip uninhabitable.