A deadly mistake by Israeli troops sparked outrage after they killed 15 emergency responders in Gaza. The responders were part of a convoy that included a Palestinian Red Crescent Society ambulance, a UN vehicle, and a civil defense fire truck.
The incident happened on March 23 near the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. Initially, the Israeli military claimed their troops fired on the convoy because it was driving suspiciously in the dark without headlights or emergency lights. But a video clip released by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society showed the convoy had clear markings and was using both headlights and emergency lights as it approached a damaged vehicle to provide aid.
The Israeli military has since acknowledged that its troops made a mistake. In a press conference on April 5, the military said at least six of the medical personnel in the convoy had ties to Hamas, but it provided no evidence to support this claim. The military also admitted that the responders were unarmed.
The incident began when Israeli troops fired on a vehicle carrying three Hamas members. The emergency convoy then arrived at the scene, and Israeli air surveillance teams warned ground troops that the convoy was approaching in a suspicious manner. The troops opened fire without evidence that the responders were armed.
After the incident, Israeli troops claimed they buried the 15 bodies under sand to protect them from wild animals. The vehicles were removed and buried the next day to clear the road.
The bodies of the responders were found a week later, after international organizations, including the UN, were finally able to reach the site where they went missing.
Investigation and Response
The Israeli military’s admission of mistake has sparked widespread condemnation. The incident is being investigated, and there are calls for accountability.
Key Facts
- 15 emergency responders killed in Gaza
- Convoy included ambulance, UN vehicle, and fire truck
- Israeli troops claimed suspicious behavior, but video showed clear markings and lights
- Military admitted mistake and lack of evidence of armed responders
- Bodies buried under sand, vehicles removed and buried later
This incident has raised concerns about the safety of emergency responders in conflict zones and the need for accountability when mistakes are made.
