Israel changed its version of events after a video showed the shooting of medics in Gaza. BBC
Israel has confirmed that its soldiers made mistakes in the deadly shooting of 15 emergency workers in southern Gaza on March 23.
The victims were part of a convoy that included ambulances from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, a UN vehicle, and a fire truck. They were responding to a call near Rafah when the shooting happened.
Initially, Israel said the vehicles approached without headlights or warning signals and had not coordinated with the military. It claimed the movement looked suspicious in the dark. But new video evidence shows the convoy had flashing lights and headlights on.
One of the medics who died, Refat Radwan, recorded the incident on his phone. The video shows the vehicles clearly marked and stopped by the roadside. Shooting starts suddenly, and Radwan can be heard praying before Israeli soldiers arrive.
An Israeli military official later said that soldiers had earlier targeted a car with Hamas members inside. When the ambulances approached that same area, aerial surveillance teams told soldiers they were moving in a suspicious way. The troops then opened fire, thinking they were under threat. However, none of the medics were armed.
Israel still claims that at least six of the dead medics were tied to Hamas, though it has not provided any proof. The military has also admitted that its first report about the convoy not using lights was incorrect. That report had come from the soldiers involved.
The military also confirmed that the soldiers buried the bodies of the medics in the sand. They said it was to protect the remains from animals and to clear the road. The bodies and vehicles stayed buried for a week because aid groups couldn’t reach the site safely.
When an aid team finally found the area, they also recovered Radwan’s phone with the video footage.
An Israeli official denied reports that the medics were handcuffed or executed at close range. He insisted that no one was shot after being captured.
A surviving paramedic said the convoy had its lights on and denied any links to armed groups.
Israel’s military says it is now carrying out a full investigation. Officials want to understand what went wrong and how the situation was handled.
The Red Crescent and several international aid groups are demanding an independent investigation. They want a full and fair review of the killings.
Tensions have risen again in Gaza after the collapse of a temporary ceasefire on March 18. Talks for a new agreement have stalled, and Israel has resumed airstrikes and ground operations.
Since then, over 1,200 people have died in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
The war began after a major attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Around 1,200 Israelis died and 251 people were taken hostage. Since then, more than 50,600 people have been killed in Gaza.
