Palestine Red Crescent Calls for International Probe After 15 Paramedics Killed in Gaza; Israel Revises Account

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has called for an independent international investigation into the March 23 killing of 15 emergency workers in southern Gaza. Video evidence contradicts the Israeli military's initial claim that the convoy was suspicious. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admitted their error and now allege six victims were Hamas operatives, without providing evidence. The incident, involving gunfire on ambulances with emergency lights, has drawn international condemnation and scrutiny of Israel's actions in Gaza.

Incident Overview

On March 23, during a renewed Israeli military offensive in the southern Gaza Strip, 15 emergency responders—including eight Red Crescent paramedics, six Gaza Civil Defence workers, and one UN staff member—were killed when Israeli forces opened fire on a convoy of ambulances in the Tal al-Sultan area of Rafah. The PRCS later recovered the bodies from a shallow grave near the site, with autopsies indicating multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body, which the organization described as evidence of "intent to kill."

The Red Crescent released an 18-minute video filmed by one of the deceased paramedics, Rifaat Radwan, which shows the convoy traveling with emergency lights flashing. The footage captures the moment gunfire erupts, with Radwan heard saying his final prayers before Israeli soldiers' voices are audible. The PRCS asserts that the video proves the attack was deliberate and not a case of mistaken identity or operational error.

Red Crescent’s Response

At a press conference in Ramallah, PRCS President Dr. Younes al-Khatib demanded an independent and impartial international commission of inquiry into what he called a “fully fledged war crime.” He stated, “All the martyrs were shot in the upper part of their bodies, with the intent to kill.” Khatib also questioned why the bodies were buried and accused Israeli forces of attempting to conceal the incident.

Khatib rejected Israeli claims that some of the medics were affiliated with Hamas, saying, “Israel has failed to prove even once in 50 years that the Red Crescent or its crews carry or use weapons.” A surviving paramedic also denied any links between the victims and armed groups.

Israel’s Initial and Revised Accounts

Initially, the IDF stated that its troops had fired on “suspicious vehicles” that were approaching without headlights or emergency signals. This version was contradicted by the video evidence, which clearly showed the ambulances with emergency lights on and marked with Red Crescent insignia.

Following the release of the footage, the IDF admitted that its initial report was “mistaken.” A spokesperson said the error stemmed from a miscommunication in the field and that the individual who provided the original account had been incorrect. The IDF has since launched a deeper investigation, with Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir ordering a full review by the general staff investigation mechanism.

In a subsequent statement, the IDF claimed that six of the 15 individuals killed were Hamas operatives, though it has not provided supporting evidence. The military also said the ambulances were operating in an area where they were not permitted and that the troops had perceived a threat following a prior encounter with a Hamas vehicle.

Video Evidence and Forensic Findings

The video recorded by Radwan and released by the PRCS shows a convoy of three ambulances and a fire engine traveling with emergency lights on. The vehicles pull over near a van on the roadside, and gunfire begins shortly after. The PRCS said the area was not designated a “red zone” by the Israeli military, meaning no prior coordination was required for access.

Preliminary forensic reports cited by the PRCS indicate that the victims were killed by multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. The organization argues that this, combined with the video evidence, supports the claim that the attack was deliberate.

International and Political Reactions

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation. The United Nations has not yet issued an official comment, but the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs described the burial site as a mass grave. The White House, under President Donald Trump, placed blame on Hamas, citing its alleged use of ambulances and civilians as human shields.

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer reiterated accusations that Hamas uses ambulances to transport militants and weapons. “What were Hamas terrorists doing in ambulances?” he asked. However, no evidence has been presented to substantiate this claim, and the PRCS has firmly denied any such affiliations.

Ongoing Investigation

The IDF has stated that all claims related to the incident will be examined thoroughly. Southern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Assor presented the preliminary findings to Lt. Gen. Zamir, who has instructed that the investigation continue. The military maintains that the shooting occurred in response to a perceived threat, but has not explained why the vehicles were misidentified despite their visible emergency signals.

The PRCS, meanwhile, has expressed skepticism about the IDF’s internal investigation, citing a lack of accountability in previous incidents involving the deaths of humanitarian workers. Human rights organizations have long criticized Israel for what they describe as a culture of impunity in such cases.

Broader Context

The March 23 incident is part of a broader pattern of violence affecting medical and humanitarian personnel in Gaza. Over the past 18 months, hundreds of aid workers, including foreign nationals, have been killed in Israeli strikes. Notably, six members of the World Central Kitchen were killed in a separate attack on clearly marked vehicles.

The Israeli military campaign in Gaza began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Since then, more than 50,750 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

References

• Gaza paramedics shot in upper body ‘with intent to kill’, Red Crescent says
• Israeli military walks back account of the killing of Gaza medical workers after video appears to contradict its version
• Gaza: Red Crescent calls for inquiry into killing of paramedics
• Red Crescent demands international probe into Israel killing of Gaza medics
• Red Crescent calls for inquiry into Israel's killing of Gaza paramedics
• Red Crescent says Israel shot Gaza crew ’with intent to kill’
• What we know about killings of 15 Palestinian medics by Israeli forces
• IDF Completes Investigation into Rafah Incident: 6 Terrorists Among Thos - JFeed