An Israeli military investigation has concluded there were “professional failures” in last month’s deadly shooting of 15 emergency workers in Gaza, leading to the dismissal of a deputy commander. The troops opened fire on ambulances in Tel al-Sultan, Rafah, on March 23, believing them to be Hamas vehicles. Cellphone video contradicted Israel’s initial claim that the ambulances lacked emergency signals, showing flashing lights and visible logos.
The military now admits the strike was based on poor judgment under low-visibility conditions. Eight Red Crescent staff, six Civil Defence workers, and a UN employee were killed. Troops later bulldozed the scene, burying the bodies and vehicles in a mass grave. UN and rescue workers recovered the remains a week later.
While Israel said six of the deceased were Hamas operatives, no evidence was provided, and Hamas has denied the claim. A separate Israeli strike 15 minutes later on a UN vehicle was deemed a breach of protocol.
No paramedics were found armed, and no weapons were located in the ambulances, according to Israeli officials. The investigation condemned the decision to destroy the vehicles but denied any cover-up attempt. One senior officer will be reprimanded, while the deputy commander who initiated the gunfire is to be dismissed. No criminal charges were announced.
Calls for an independent inquiry have been made by the UN and Palestinian Red Crescent, though no official response has yet been issued.
Source: Swifteradio.com
