Israel’s military has acknowledged errors in the fatal shooting of 15 aid workers in Gaza, including eight members of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and a United Nations employee. The incident occurred on March 23, 2025, in Rafah, southern Gaza, and has drawn significant international condemnation.
Incident Overview
On March 23, a convoy of clearly marked ambulances and a fire vehicle, all displaying flashing emergency lights, was fired upon by Israeli troops as they approached a previously attacked ambulance to provide assistance. The attack resulted in the deaths of 15 emergency personnel, including PRCS medics, Civil Defense staff, and a U.N. worker.
Initial Claims and Contradictory Evidence
Initially, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that the vehicles lacked proper identification and were behaving suspiciously without headlights or emergency signals. However, video footage recovered from a victim’s mobile phone and released by the PRCS contradicted these assertions, showing the ambulances were clearly marked and had their lights flashing. The footage captured the moment the convoy came under fire, leading to the deaths of the aid workers.
IDF Admission and Ongoing Investigation
In light of the new evidence, the IDF admitted that its initial statements were incorrect and based on soldiers’ testimonies. An Israeli military official stated that the soldiers mistakenly identified the aid workers as a threat, leading to the tragic incident. The IDF has launched a special investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack, emphasizing the need for accountability.
International Response and Calls for Accountability
The killings have sparked widespread international condemnation. Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, called for a thorough and independent investigation, highlighting the necessity for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of aid workers. The PRCS and other humanitarian organizations have also demanded justice and measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Гардиан+14Latest news & breaking headlines+14El País+14newsDIE WELT+3Sky News+3Latest news & breaking headlines+3
Conclusion
The admission of mistakes by the Israeli military in the killing of 15 aid workers in Gaza underscores the complexities and dangers faced by humanitarian personnel in conflict zones. The incident highlights the urgent need for stringent measures to ensure the safety of aid workers and for comprehensive investigations to uphold international humanitarian standards.
