JERUSALEM (AP) An Israeli military investigation into the deaths of 15 Palestinian medics in Gaza last month has revealed a series of "professional failures," resulting in the dismissal of a deputy commander. The incident, which occurred during an operation in Tel al-Sultan, Rafah, has led to widespread outrage from the international community, with accusations of the killings constituting a war crime under international humanitarian law. The International Red Cross/Red Crescent has characterized the incident as the deadliest attack on medical personnel in eight years.
Initially, Israel defended the actions of its troops, claiming that the ambulances lacked emergency signals when they came under fire. However, subsequent analysis of cellphone footage revealed that the ambulances were indeed displaying flashing lights and identifiable markings as they arrived to assist another ambulance that had previously been attacked. The military investigation found that the deputy battalion commander mistakenly believed that the ambulances were affiliated with Hamas militants and felt threatened as they approached. This misjudgment was compounded by poor night visibility, which made the flashing lights less detectable by night-vision equipment.
During the attack, medics were subjected to a sustained barrage of gunfire lasting over five minutes. Tragically, eight Red Crescent members, six Civil Defense workers, and a U.N. staffer were killed. Following the shooting, soldiers bulldozed the bodies and their vehicles into a mass grave, claiming it was necessary to protect them from being consumed by stray animals. U.N. and rescue teams were only able to access the site a week later.
The military's inquiry detailed that the action to crush the ambulances was inappropriate but asserted that there was no intention to hide the shooting incident. Major General Yoav Har-Even, who is responsible for the military investigation, indicated the military had informed international organizations on the same day and assisted in locating the victims’ remains.
Regarding the complexity of the incident, it was noted that the paramedics were killed due to an "operational misunderstanding," compounded by the deputy commander's actions leading to the shooting, which were later deemed a breach of orders. The investigation concluded that while six of those killed could be described as Hamas militants, no weapons were found in their vehicles, and all medics present were unarmed. The statement from the paramedics' leader underscored the assertion that the medics were “targeted at close range” during the assault, with military drone footage showing soldiers firing just 20 to 30 meters away.
Despite the investigation’s findings, the precise number of investigations launched into similar incidents remains unclear, and there is skepticism regarding the impartiality of Israel's military inquiry process. Frustration is mounting among both Palestinians and Israelis, with multiple reports from humanitarian organizations alleging frequent misconduct and insufficient accountability for harm against civilians, particularly medical personnel.
In the context of the ongoing war in Gaza, which began after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 — resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians — more than 51,000 Palestinians have been killed in retaliatory strikes, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. With over 150 emergency responders among the casualties, calls for justice and accountability continue to grow amid a backdrop of escalating violence and international concern.
The investigation's findings have been submitted to the Military Advocate General, which possesses the authority to initiate criminal proceedings. However, it exists under the oversight of Israel's attorney general and Supreme Court, raising questions about the effectiveness and independence of the judicial review process in addressing violations committed during military operations.
