Investigation results on the Gaza tragedy: The reasons for the deaths of 15 rescuers have been revealed
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced last month that the death of 15 emergency service personnel and a UN employee near the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip was due to "operational misunderstanding" and non-compliance with orders by the military unit.
According to the results of the investigation conducted by the IDF, Israeli soldiers made a series of serious mistakes that led to this tragedy. The deputy commander of the military unit involved in the incident was dismissed for presenting an incorrect and incomplete report during the judicial process.
The tragedy occurred on March 23. At that time, ambulances belonging to the Palestine branch of the Red Crescent Society, UN transport, and a fire truck belonging to Gaza's civil defense were fired upon by Israeli soldiers. As a result, 14 rescuers and one UN employee lost their lives.
According to the IDF statement, Israeli soldiers opened fire after assessing the vehicles as a potential threat from the enemy. Additionally, during the investigation, it was claimed that 6 of the victims were members of Hamas. However, Israel has not provided any evidence or proof regarding these claims, even though the identities of the deceased are available in public records.
The report also stated that the area where the incident occurred is a combat zone under enemy control, and the commander felt threatened by the approaching vehicles. It was emphasized that due to limited visibility at night, the commander did not realize that the vehicles were ambulances.
However, after the incident, Israeli soldiers initially expressed suspicion towards the vehicles because they were moving without lights and flashing beacons. Later, a video found on the mobile phone of one of the deceased doctors refuted these claims by Israeli soldiers – the footage clearly shows that the vehicles had their lighting systems and special flashing beacons turned on.
The video clearly identifies which services the vehicles belong to, and the paramedics are wearing special reflective uniforms. In the five-minute video, the last moments of the deceased rescuer are captured, including his prayers and the sound of Israeli soldiers afterwards.
The bodies of the 15 deceased personnel were only found a week after the incident. The delay in this process was caused by difficulties in organizing safe access by international organizations, including the UN.
The Red Crescent and other international organizations are demanding an independent investigation into this incident.
Actions taken by the Israeli military against high-ranking officers are not unprecedented. In April of last year, two officers were dismissed in connection with the deaths of World Central Kitchen humanitarian organization staff.
Israel began a large-scale military operation in Rafah in May 2024, resulting in widespread destruction in the area. After the temporary ceasefire in January, thousands of residents returned to the city. However, after the peace negotiations failed on March 18, Israel resumed operations in Gaza.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, at least 51,201 people have been killed in the ongoing clashes since October 7, 2023.
