An internal military investigation has acknowledged the killing of a group of paramedics by Israeli soldiers. It admitted that the initial account was inaccurate and that troops opened fire without any indication that the workers posed a threat.
Israel admitted on Sunday to having committed “professional failures” during a military operation in the Gaza Strip in which 15 humanitarian workers were killed in March. Since October 2023, when Hamas launched an attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis, Israel’s retaliation has resulted in more than 51,000 Palestinian deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
An internal investigation conducted by the Israeli army concluded that, although the forces acted under the perception of a threat, serious errors were made during the operation. As a result, the deputy commander involved will be dismissed.
The incident took place in the city of Rafah, when a convoy of ambulances from the Palestinian Red Crescent—accompanied by UN and Gaza Civil Defense vehicles—was en route to assist the wounded. Initially, the Israeli army claimed that the vehicles were traveling without lights or identifying markers, and that there had been no prior coordination with Israeli troops, which allegedly prompted the opening of fire.
However, a video recorded by one of the deceased paramedics showed that the convoy had its lights on and was clearly marked, contradicting the official version. After the footage was released, the military acknowledged that its initial account was incorrect and admitted that the troops had opened fire without clear evidence that the humanitarian workers posed a threat.
The report described the attack as a “grave mistake” resulting from a “misdiagnosis in complex circumstances.” Despite this, Israeli forces maintained that some of the deceased may have had ties to armed groups such as Hamas, although no conclusive evidence has been presented thus far.
International organizations and eyewitnesses refute these accusations, stating that the personnel were properly identified and were carrying out strictly civilian functions. The video evidence has been presented before the United Nations Security Council.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the attack and called for an independent, swift, and thorough investigation to determine accountability and ensure justice. The case has sparked widespread international condemnation due to the increasing vulnerability of humanitarian workers in conflict zones and the pressing need to uphold international humanitarian law.
Keep Independent Journalism Alive
In a world flooded with noise, independent journalism is more vital than ever. We work hard to bring you clear, accurate, and unbiased international news — free from corporate or political influence.If you believe in the power of honest reporting, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, helps us stay independent and keep the world informed.
Support us via PayPalYour support makes a difference.
