A detailed investigation reveals the tragic circumstances surrounding the loss of first responders in a conflict zone.
"IDF Report on Gaza Medics' Killings: Operational Errors Cited as Cause"
"IDF Report on Gaza Medics' Killings: Operational Errors Cited as Cause"
An IDF inquiry claims 'operational misunderstanding' led to the death of 15 emergency workers in Gaza.
The Israeli military has released findings from an inquiry, citing an "operational misunderstanding" and "breach of orders" as the cause behind the deaths of 15 emergency workers in Gaza last month. The investigation conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified a series of failings that led to this tragic incident, which included the dismissal of the unit's deputy commander for providing an incomplete report during the debrief.
On 23 March, a convoy consisting of ambulances belonging to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS), a UN vehicle, and a fire truck came under fire from Israeli forces. The IDF stated the troops believed they were facing a threat from enemy forces, asserting that six of the deceased were Hamas members while asserting there were no summary executions involved. However, the IDF has not produced evidence to support any claims of affiliation to Hamas, despite the identities of the victims being publicly known.
The report characterized the environment as a "hostile and dangerous combat zone," noting that poor visibility prevented the ground commander from identifying the vehicles as ambulances. Initially, Israel justified the shooting by stating the convoy approached suspiciously without lights; however, this account was retracted after a video surfaced from a deceased paramedic's phone, showing the vehicles with their lights on and emergency signals activated.
The footage captured hours before dawn displays the vehicles pulling over as gunfire erupted, with a paramedic recording his last words before soldiers were heard nearing the scene. The tragic aftermath left the bodies buried in sand, only recovered a week later as agencies, including the UN, struggled to reach the area safely.
The Red Crescent, along with other international bodies, has demanded an independent investigation into the fatalities. The IDF's action of dismissing a commander is not unprecedented; previous incidents resulted in disciplinary measures for military personnel following the deaths of aid workers.
This report comes amid ongoing military operations in Gaza, where Israel claimed an operation in Rafah resulted in extensive damage and loss of life. Following escalations begun in October 2023, the situation remains dire, with Hamas-run health ministry reports estimating over 51,201 fatalities in Gaza since the offensive began.
On 23 March, a convoy consisting of ambulances belonging to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS), a UN vehicle, and a fire truck came under fire from Israeli forces. The IDF stated the troops believed they were facing a threat from enemy forces, asserting that six of the deceased were Hamas members while asserting there were no summary executions involved. However, the IDF has not produced evidence to support any claims of affiliation to Hamas, despite the identities of the victims being publicly known.
The report characterized the environment as a "hostile and dangerous combat zone," noting that poor visibility prevented the ground commander from identifying the vehicles as ambulances. Initially, Israel justified the shooting by stating the convoy approached suspiciously without lights; however, this account was retracted after a video surfaced from a deceased paramedic's phone, showing the vehicles with their lights on and emergency signals activated.
The footage captured hours before dawn displays the vehicles pulling over as gunfire erupted, with a paramedic recording his last words before soldiers were heard nearing the scene. The tragic aftermath left the bodies buried in sand, only recovered a week later as agencies, including the UN, struggled to reach the area safely.
The Red Crescent, along with other international bodies, has demanded an independent investigation into the fatalities. The IDF's action of dismissing a commander is not unprecedented; previous incidents resulted in disciplinary measures for military personnel following the deaths of aid workers.
This report comes amid ongoing military operations in Gaza, where Israel claimed an operation in Rafah resulted in extensive damage and loss of life. Following escalations begun in October 2023, the situation remains dire, with Hamas-run health ministry reports estimating over 51,201 fatalities in Gaza since the offensive began.
