Autopsies of the medics killed in a March 23 Israeli strike show that most died from head wounds, raising serious concerns and drawing international scrutiny regarding the event labelled as a potential war crime.
Autopsy Reports Confirm Details of Gaza Medics' Deaths Amid Israeli Gunfire
Autopsy Reports Confirm Details of Gaza Medics' Deaths Amid Israeli Gunfire
New autopsy findings reveal the nature of injuries sustained by rescuers during last month's Israeli attack in Gaza.
On March 23, 2025, during a troubling incident in Gaza, gunfire from Israeli troops claimed the lives of several paramedics and rescue workers affiliated with the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Autopsy reports obtained by The New York Times indicate that many of these brave individuals died from gunshot wounds to the head or chest. Others suffered from shrapnel injuries, all part of a chaotic clash that coincided with an emergency response.
Eyewitness accounts, coupled with video and audio evidence, substantiated claims that Israeli forces fired upon emergency vehicles, a situation that has resulted in widespread condemnation and concern over possible war crimes. The attack led to the tragic deaths of 15 people, which included 14 rescue workers and a United Nations employee who was accidentally caught up in the violence shortly after the initial strike.
Israel has admitted firing during this episode but has provided fluctuating justifications for the actions taken against the ambulances and a fire truck. Without substantiation, Israel's military suggested that some deceased were Hamas operatives and has promised an investigation into the incident.
The autopsy examinations were conducted on April 1-5, following the recovery of the bodies from southern Gaza, and revealed a grim reality about the fateful encounter. Dr. Ahmad Dhair, the head of the Gaza health ministry's forensic unit, was responsible for these examinations. Additionally, Dr. Arne Stray-Pedersen, a forensic pathologist, reviewed the autopsy photos for corroboration.
With international eyes on the tragedy, experts have underscored the gravity of the incident, describing it as a potential war crime, prompting urgent calls for accountability and justice in the face of escalating violence and humanitarian crises within the region.
Eyewitness accounts, coupled with video and audio evidence, substantiated claims that Israeli forces fired upon emergency vehicles, a situation that has resulted in widespread condemnation and concern over possible war crimes. The attack led to the tragic deaths of 15 people, which included 14 rescue workers and a United Nations employee who was accidentally caught up in the violence shortly after the initial strike.
Israel has admitted firing during this episode but has provided fluctuating justifications for the actions taken against the ambulances and a fire truck. Without substantiation, Israel's military suggested that some deceased were Hamas operatives and has promised an investigation into the incident.
The autopsy examinations were conducted on April 1-5, following the recovery of the bodies from southern Gaza, and revealed a grim reality about the fateful encounter. Dr. Ahmad Dhair, the head of the Gaza health ministry's forensic unit, was responsible for these examinations. Additionally, Dr. Arne Stray-Pedersen, a forensic pathologist, reviewed the autopsy photos for corroboration.
With international eyes on the tragedy, experts have underscored the gravity of the incident, describing it as a potential war crime, prompting urgent calls for accountability and justice in the face of escalating violence and humanitarian crises within the region.
