Israeli army probe finds no indiscriminate fire in Gaza medics’ deaths

An Israeli military investigation concluded on Sunday that its troops allegedly did not engage in “indiscriminate fire” in deadly March 23 incident in southern Gaza that killed 15 emergency responders, but acknowledged serious operational failures and announced disciplinary actions.

Commander dismissed after 15 emergency workers killed near Rafah

The shooting took place near the city of Rafah in the early hours of March 23 as medical teams responded to calls following Israeli airstrikes.

The deaths included eight Palestine Red Crescent staff, six Gaza Civil Defense workers, and one employee from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk raised concerns about potential war crimes following the incident.

“Enough with all we’ve already lost. Are we to lose more of our colleagues too? There will be no one left.”

⭕️These were the words of our colleague, medic Rifaat Radwan, when he learned that his teammates had been targeted. He rushed to rescue them alongside his colleague Asaad.… pic.twitter.com/EbCSG18wZe

— PRCS (@PalestineRCS) April 11, 2025

Israel’s initial account contradicted by video evidence

Israel initially claimed the ambulances lacked emergency signals and carried Hamas members. However, video footage retrieved from a slain aid worker’s phone and published by the Palestine Red Crescent appeared to contradict this, showing flashing lights and visible medical logos on the vehicles.

The investigation admitted that “due to poor night visibility,” the deputy commander believed the ambulances were associated with Hamas. The probe found “no evidence to support claims of execution or that any of the deceased were bound before or after the shooting.”

It is known that the Israeli army has the capability to operate at night and has the night vision equipment to do so.

Israeli military: Operational failures, but no intent to kill

“The troops did not engage in indiscriminate fire but remained alert to respond to real threats identified by them,” the Israeli military stated in a summary of its internal probe. “The examination found no evidence to support claims of execution.”

The Israeli army confirmed the dismissal of a deputy commander responsible for field decisions and for submitting an incomplete and inaccurate incident report.

“The Israeli army regrets the harm caused to uninvolved civilians. The examination process also serves as part of an ongoing effort to learn from operational incidents and reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences in the future,” the statement from the Israeli army noted.

“Existing protocols have been clarified and reinforced – emphasizing the need for heightened caution when operating near rescue forces and medical personnel, even in high-intensity combat zones,” statement added.

Israel claims six of the dead were Hamas members

The Israeli military reported that six of the 15 killed were retrospectively identified as Hamas members. The claim has not been independently verified. The rest were acknowledged as civilians.

“Fifteen Palestinians were killed, six of whom were identified in a retrospective examination as Hamas members. Due to poor night visibility, the deputy commander did not initially recognize the vehicles as ambulances,” investigation statement said.

“Only later, after approaching the vehicles and scanning them, was it discovered that these were indeed rescue teams,” Israeli army’s statement concluded.

Mass grave and delayed recovery

Following the shooting, the bodies and vehicles were bulldozed and buried in a mass grave in the Tel al-Sultan area of Rafah, according to UN and Palestinian sources. The remains were recovered a week later by UN and rescue officials.

The probe also examined a second incident, 15 minutes after the medics’ deaths, in which Israeli soldiers opened fire on a UN-marked vehicle. The Israeli army labeled that a “breach of orders.”

About 15 minutes later, the troops fired at a Palestinian UN vehicle due to operational errors in breach of regulations The troops’ commander initially reported the event, and additional details emerged later in the examination.

Israeli army

One survivor remains in Israeli custody for further questioning. The findings have been submitted to the Military Advocate General, which will decide whether to pursue legal charges. This body operates under oversight from Israel’s attorney general and Supreme Court.

Israel faces international scrutiny over conduct in Gaza

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 51,000 Palestinians have died since the offensive began, the majority being women and children.

The Israeli military rarely opens formal investigations into battlefield deaths, drawing criticism from Palestinians and international human rights organizations.

The International Criminal Court has a case on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of war crimes—allegations Israel rejects, citing the capability of its own legal system.

More than 150 emergency responders and over 1,000 health workers have been killed by Israel during the war, according to the UN. Medical teams have repeatedly denied allegations of harboring any armed individuals within emergency vehicles or civilian infrastructure.