New Footage Raises Questions Over Israeli Military Action Against Gaza Medics

A recently surfaced video challenges the Israeli military's justification for the killing of 15 paramedics in Gaza, igniting calls for accountability and an independent investigation into the incident.

Mobile phone footage, which appears to undermine the Israeli military's account of a deadly incident in Gaza, has emerged, leading to renewed scrutiny and demand for accountability. The recording, released by the New York Times, was filmed by a paramedic from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) who was among those killed in the attack on March 23. The video shows a convoy of ambulances and a fire truck, illuminated by headlights and flashing emergency lights, coming under fire.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initially claimed that "several uncoordinated vehicles" were advancing suspiciously towards IDF troops without lights, prompting them to open fire. However, survivors and eyewitnesses contest this narrative, stating the vehicles were clearly marked as ambulances with lights on, even when they were fired upon. According to a surviving paramedic interviewed by the BBC, the IDF's justification is unfounded, as all crew members were civilians dedicated to providing emergency medical services.

The newly released footage shows the marked emergency vehicles halting at the side of the road, and as the video continues, bullets can be heard striking the vehicle. This footage was discovered on the phone of one of the paramedics after his body was located a week post-incident; he had been buried in a shallow grave alongside the other victims.

Israeli officials have maintained their position, asserting that the IDF did not attack the ambulances randomly. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reiterated these claims earlier this week. Nevertheless, the IDF has committed to investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting after paramedics challenged their narrative.

President of the PRCS, Dr. Younis Al-Khatib, highlighted the emotional weight of the situation during a UN address, reciting a heartbreaking final message from one of the deceased paramedics before being shot: "forgive me mum, I just wanted to help people." He called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which he labeled an "atrocious crime."

As the situation unfolds, calls for accountability and an independent inquiry continue to grow, drawing attention to the increasing risks faced by medical personnel in conflict zones.