An IDF investigation has determined that an "operational misunderstanding" resulted in the deaths of 14 emergency workers in Gaza last month.
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The inquiry revealed multiple shortcomings and noted that the later fatality of a UN worker constituted "a breach of orders during a combat situation." As a consequence, the deputy commander of the involved unit has been dismissed for delivering an incomplete and inaccurate debriefing report.
On March 23, a convoy comprising ambulances from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, a UN vehicle, and a fire truck came under fire from Israeli military forces, leading to the deaths of the 14 emergency responders and one UN worker. The IDF stated that its troops opened fire under the belief they were confronting a threat from hostile forces. According to the investigation, six of the deceased were identified as Hamas members, while the IDF refuted claims of summary executions.
However, no evidence was provided to substantiate any affiliations with Hamas, despite the names of the victims being public knowledge. The report characterized the setting as a "hostile and dangerous combat zone," asserting that the ground commander perceived an immediate threat when vehicles approached at speed. It also cited "poor night visibility" as a factor that led to mistakes in identifying the vehicles as ambulances. Initially, Israel claimed that troops fired because the convoy approached "suspiciously" at night without proper lighting.
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It also stated that the movement of the vehicles had not been coordinated with the military. However, this account was later corrected after a video found on a deceased medic's phone showed the vehicles with their lights on and emergency signals activated. In the footage, the medic is seen reciting his final prayers just moments before the voices of Israeli soldiers can be heard nearing the vehicles.
BBC