After nightfall on March 23, Palestinian rescuers expressed fear as they drove towards a location near Rafah where their colleagues were believed to be injured. The rescue mission was deemed extremely perilous, with one paramedic capturing moments on video. Earlier that night, a team had been attacked by Israel’s military, resulting in the deaths of 15 paramedics and aid workers.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) initially justified the attack, claiming the presence of Hamas militants among the first responders and suspicious activity by their vehicles. However, video evidence and eyewitness testimonies contradicted the IDF’s narrative, revealing a different sequence of events.
Video footage from a paramedic’s phone captured the tense moments leading up to the attack, as the rescue team discussed strategies to ensure visibility with emergency lights. Despite their precautions, the convoy was met with gunfire upon stopping near a disabled vehicle.
Following the release of the full video by the Palestine Red Crescent Society, Israeli officials revised their account, acknowledging the mistaken identification of the paramedics as threats and promising an investigation. Questions were raised about the initial misleading information provided by the IDF.
A lone survivor of the attack recounted the intense gunfire and the loss of his colleagues, emphasizing the lack of verification by the IDF before opening fire. The Red Crescent officials highlighted multiple attacks on the ambulances, challenging the IDF’s actions.
The incident drew international condemnation, with concerns raised about Israel’s military operations in Gaza and calls for transparency and accountability. The response from within Israel varied, with some criticizing the military’s actions. The role of international bodies like the International Criminal Court in investigating such incidents remains uncertain.
