Israel’s military has released the findings of a probe into the March 23 killing of 15 medics and rescuers in southern Gaza, admitting operational failures and confirming that six of the dead were Hamas militants.
What the Army Found
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said:
“Fifteen Palestinians were killed, six of whom were identified in a retrospective examination as Hamas terrorists. The IDF regrets the harm caused to uninvolved civilians.”
However, the army denied allegations that the troops carried out an execution-style attack, claiming that soldiers responded to what they believed were real threats.
Failure to Report & Leadership Change
The probe found that the soldiers failed to report the incident properly to higher command, and the officer responsible has now been relieved of duty for providing incomplete and inaccurate details during the initial debrief.
Despite international backlash, the military insists that “troops did not engage in indiscriminate fire.”
Footage Challenges IDF Claims
The IDF claimed that the ambulances were moving without headlights and seemed suspicious. However, video footage from a slain aid worker’s phone, shared by the Red Crescent, contradicts this—showing vehicles with headlights and emergency lights on.
Global Condemnation
The incident has triggered international condemnation, with UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk expressing concern over possible war crimes.
The bodies of the medics were reportedly found a week later, buried in sand near Rafah, where the strike occurred just days after Israel renewed its offensive.
