Al Jazeera’s Sanad fact-checking unit has obtained exclusive satellite images, taken on March 23, showing the Israeli army detaining and surrounding at least five vehicles belonging to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and Civil Defence in the western area of Rafah city in southern Gaza.

PRCS lost all contact with these ambulance crews five days ago.

These vehicles were transporting 15 members of the ambulance and rescue crews of the two organisations. The images, analysed by Sanad based on data and information from the PRCS and Civil Defence, show at least five ambulances parked on the side of the Liberation Road.

The Israeli military surrounded the area and closed the road with dirt barriers. Clear traces of bulldozing operations are visible in the area.