Calls for an independent investigation arise as new evidence contradicts the Israeli military's narrative.
**Red Crescent Demands Global Inquiry After Fatal Attack on Gaza Paramedics**
**Red Crescent Demands Global Inquiry After Fatal Attack on Gaza Paramedics**
The humanitarian organization seeks justice following the deaths of 15 emergency workers amid ongoing conflict.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has urged for an independent international inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 15 emergency workers in southern Gaza. This call follows the release of a chilling video recovered from one of the paramedics who perished during the attacks on March 23, which the organization described as a "fully fledged war crime." The PRCS has insisted that those accountable must face justice.
The Israeli military has contended that initial findings indicate their troops fired upon the convoy of ambulances due to a perceived threat, alleging that six of the deceased were Hamas operatives. This claim was met with skepticism, particularly from a surviving paramedic who denied any affiliations with armed groups. Initially, the Israeli forces justified their actions by stating they targeted "suspicious vehicles," but later acknowledged a mistake after the paramedics' convoy was shown to have been using flashing emergency lights.
The tragic loss of the eight paramedics, six Civil Defence responders, and one UN staff member came to light only a week later when their bodies were retrieved from a shallow grave, as the UN managed to gain access to the area. The released 18-minute video, captured by paramedic Rifaat Radwan, opens with a conversation between him and his colleague, Asaad al-Nassasra, as they navigate an unlit road at night in their ambulance.
As the ambulance convoy travels together, several emergency vehicles are seen, all clearly identifiable with flashing lights. The footage captures the onset of gunfire shortly after Radwan exits his vehicle, merging personal testimony with disturbing visuals as he records a life-threatening situation. The PRCS argues that the video shows this incident was a result of multiple, deliberate attacks, not isolated errors.
Among their claims, the organization highlighted that there was no indication from the Israeli military that the area was designated as a "red zone," which would have required prior coordination for access. They also cited preliminary forensic assessments indicating the nature of wounds inflicted upon the medics as indicative of intentional targeting.
At a news event in the occupied West Bank, PRCS President Dr. Younes al-Khatib underscored the necessity for an independent international investigation, adamantly rejecting the reliability of the military's inquiry based on past experiences. Dr. Khatib emphasized the symbolic significance of the 15 victims, noting their representation of all lives lost in the pursuit of humanitarian aid. He stressed the need for justice, stating that history has failed to adequately recognize those who sacrifice for the sake of saving lives.
In light of these events, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that their Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, has been briefed on the findings of the preliminary inquiry and has ordered a more thorough investigation to scrutinize all allegations connected with the incident.
This tragic incident unfolds amid a larger conflict that has seen significant casualties, with more than 50,750 individuals reported dead in Gaza since the onset of military actions following a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which left around 1,200 people deceased and 251 taken hostage.
The Israeli military has contended that initial findings indicate their troops fired upon the convoy of ambulances due to a perceived threat, alleging that six of the deceased were Hamas operatives. This claim was met with skepticism, particularly from a surviving paramedic who denied any affiliations with armed groups. Initially, the Israeli forces justified their actions by stating they targeted "suspicious vehicles," but later acknowledged a mistake after the paramedics' convoy was shown to have been using flashing emergency lights.
The tragic loss of the eight paramedics, six Civil Defence responders, and one UN staff member came to light only a week later when their bodies were retrieved from a shallow grave, as the UN managed to gain access to the area. The released 18-minute video, captured by paramedic Rifaat Radwan, opens with a conversation between him and his colleague, Asaad al-Nassasra, as they navigate an unlit road at night in their ambulance.
As the ambulance convoy travels together, several emergency vehicles are seen, all clearly identifiable with flashing lights. The footage captures the onset of gunfire shortly after Radwan exits his vehicle, merging personal testimony with disturbing visuals as he records a life-threatening situation. The PRCS argues that the video shows this incident was a result of multiple, deliberate attacks, not isolated errors.
Among their claims, the organization highlighted that there was no indication from the Israeli military that the area was designated as a "red zone," which would have required prior coordination for access. They also cited preliminary forensic assessments indicating the nature of wounds inflicted upon the medics as indicative of intentional targeting.
At a news event in the occupied West Bank, PRCS President Dr. Younes al-Khatib underscored the necessity for an independent international investigation, adamantly rejecting the reliability of the military's inquiry based on past experiences. Dr. Khatib emphasized the symbolic significance of the 15 victims, noting their representation of all lives lost in the pursuit of humanitarian aid. He stressed the need for justice, stating that history has failed to adequately recognize those who sacrifice for the sake of saving lives.
In light of these events, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that their Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, has been briefed on the findings of the preliminary inquiry and has ordered a more thorough investigation to scrutinize all allegations connected with the incident.
This tragic incident unfolds amid a larger conflict that has seen significant casualties, with more than 50,750 individuals reported dead in Gaza since the onset of military actions following a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which left around 1,200 people deceased and 251 taken hostage.
