The Israeli military has admitted to errors in a March 23 incident that led to the deaths of 15 emergency workers in southern Gaza, including paramedics and civil defence personnel near Rafah.

The convoy, which included ambulances from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, a UN vehicle, and a Gaza Civil Defence fire truck, was hit by Israeli gunfire as it responded to a call. 

Initially, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the vehicles were moving without headlights or warning lights, raising suspicion. 

However, mobile footage captured by one of the victims, paramedic Refat Radwan, later confirmed the vehicles had lights on.

Despite claiming six of the medics had ties to Hamas, the IDF has not provided evidence and acknowledged that none of the workers were armed. 

The attack was reportedly triggered when the convoy stopped near a vehicle previously targeted for carrying Hamas operatives. Surveillance teams alerted ground troops, who opened fire believing there was a threat.

Footage showed the paramedics in clearly marked vehicles and reflective uniforms. 

The IDF has since admitted its initial claim about the lack of lights was inaccurate and based on mistaken reports from soldiers.

According to Israeli officials, the soldiers buried the bodies and relocated the vehicles the following day to clear the road, citing a need to protect the remains. 

International agencies were unable to reach the site for a week due to ongoing hostilities.

The IDF has pledged a full review of the incident. The Red Crescent and multiple international organizations are calling for an independent investigation.

The strike came amid renewed Israeli military operations in Gaza, following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire on March 18. 

Over 50,600 people have been reported killed in Gaza since the war began, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1210 HRS, APR 06, 2025
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