Aaj Ki Janta

Gaza, April 6, 2025 — The Israeli military has acknowledged a fatal error in a March 23 strike that killed 15 emergency responders in southern Gaza, after video evidence emerged contradicting its initial account. The incident, which occurred near Rafah in the Tel al-Sultan district, has sparked outrage and renewed calls for an independent investigation.

Originally, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that its troops fired on the convoy—comprised of Palestinian Red Crescent ambulances, Civil Defence vehicles, and a UN-marked car—because it was approaching “suspiciously” without headlights or emergency signals. However, footage recovered from a deceased paramedic’s phone shows the vehicles clearly displaying flashing emergency lights and logos.

The harrowing six-minute video, verified by a surviving medic, captures the convoy approaching a previously struck ambulance when gunfire suddenly erupts. The shots continue for over five minutes. A chilling moment is recorded as the medic, moments before being killed, whispers: “Forgive me, mother. This is the path I chose, mother, to help people.”

Among the dead were eight Palestinian Red Crescent members, six Civil Defence workers, and one United Nations employee. Another medic, Assaad al-Nassasra, remains missing. Survivor Munzer Abed described being beaten, stripped, and interrogated by Israeli troops who also fired on the incoming convoy.

The IDF has now admitted that earlier field reports were inaccurate and confirmed that the medics were unarmed. Despite this, it continues to allege—without presenting clear evidence—that some responders may have had links to Hamas. The military claimed the convoy stopped near a vehicle previously used by militants, which led to the misidentification.

Adding to the controversy, Israeli soldiers reportedly buried the bodies and vehicles the following day, saying it was to “clear the road” and “protect the bodies from wild animals.” The site was later discovered by UN personnel.

Jonathan Whittall of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Gaza strongly rejected Israeli claims of militant affiliations, stating, “They were buried in their uniforms with their gloves on. They were ready to save lives.”

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and several international bodies have demanded a transparent, independent investigation. “We don’t trust any of the army investigations,” PRCS President Younes Al-Khatib stated at the UN.

Since the conflict began in October 2023—following a Hamas-led attack that killed 1,200 Israelis—more than 150 emergency responders and 1,000+ health workers have been killed in Gaza. The death toll from Israel’s military campaign now exceeds 50,600, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.