The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) says it is standing with the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and “calling for urgent access and information following seven days of silence on the fate of nine medics in Gaza”, Al Jazeera reports.

The ambulance crews of the PRCS came under heavy gunfire while responding to an Israeli attack in the early hours of March 23 in the al-Hashaashin area of Rafah in southern Gaza.

“Since then, there has been no communication with the teams,” it said.

“It is vital that there is information and access to ensure the safe return of these humanitarians to their families who are living in a nightmare without knowing if their loved ones are alive,” it added.

Witnesses have told Al Jazeera that Israeli troops killed and buried the rescue team, while PRCS staff searching for their colleagues have found the wreckage of their vehicles under the sand. Click here to share on social media