The Israeli military has recently provided new insights that alter its previous account regarding the tragic killing of 15 emergency workers near the southern Gaza city of Rafah last month. Investigators are still analyzing the evidence surrounding the incident, which has drawn widespread attention and condemnation. The paramedics and emergency responders were shot dead on March 23, with their bodies discovered a week later in a shallow grave by officials from the United Nations and the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Initially, the military claimed that soldiers opened fire on vehicles approaching their position suspiciously in the dark, without lights or markings. They asserted that the attack resulted in the deaths of nine militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad who were allegedly traveling in vehicles belonging to the Palestinian Red Crescent. However, newly surfaced video evidence from the mobile phone of one of the deceased individuals contradicts this narrative. The footage, published by the Palestinian Red Crescent, shows emergency workers in identifiable uniforms and ambulances, with their lights activated, being fired upon by Israeli soldiers.
The only known survivor of this tragic event, Palestinian Red Crescent paramedic Munther Abed, corroborated these claims, stating that he witnessed soldiers shooting at clearly marked emergency response vehicles. This alarming revelation has sparked demands for accountability and a thorough investigation.
In a recent statement, an Israeli military official acknowledged that investigators are currently reviewing the video evidence and are expected to present their conclusions to army commanders soon. Reports from Israeli media indicate that military personnel have identified at least six of the deceased as members of militant groups, although the official refrained from providing detailed evidence or the methods used for these identifications, citing the need to protect classified information.
"According to our information, there were terrorists there, but this investigation is not over," the military official remarked during a briefing. The United Nations and the Palestinian Red Crescent have both called for an independent inquiry into the killings, emphasizing the urgent need for transparency and justice.
Reports indicate that 17 paramedics and emergency workers from the Red Crescent, Civil Emergency service, and the U.N. were dispatched to respond to reports of injuries from nearby Israeli airstrikes. Apart from Abed, another emergency worker remains missing, heightening concerns regarding the safety of humanitarian personnel in conflict zones.
According to the military, initial findings suggest that troops engaged a vehicle around 4 a.m., resulting in the deaths of two members from Hamas's internal security forces. The military claims that as time progressed, several other vehicles approached the area, leading to the assumption that these vehicles posed a similar threat. Consequently, troops opened fire on these vehicles around 6 a.m., based on aerial surveillance reports.
The military official emphasized that troops opened fire from a distance and denied allegations of mistreatment, such as handcuffing paramedics before shooting them at close range. He stated, "It's not from close. They opened fire from afar," asserting that there was no intention to cover up the incident and that the military promptly informed the U.N. on the same day.
However, the situation remains contentious, particularly regarding the handling of the bodies. The U.N. confirmed access to the site was denied for several days, during which time the bodies were buried alongside their crushed vehicles—clearly marked ambulances and a U.N. vehicle. This aspect has raised additional questions about the military's actions post-incident and has fueled demands for a comprehensive investigation.
The killing of emergency workers in Gaza highlights the urgent need for accountability and protection for humanitarian personnel in conflict zones. As investigations continue, both the U.N. and the Palestinian Red Crescent are advocating for an independent inquiry to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent future tragedies.
