Israel Admits 15 Gaza Medics Killed by 'Operational Mistake'
Military says field commander to be dismissed over Rafah shooting, cites 'poor night visibility'
The Israeli military has acknowledged responsibility for the deaths of 15 Palestinian emergency workers in Rafah, Gaza, after a March 23 incident that drew international backlash. A military investigation found that troops mistakenly believed the ambulances belonged to militants, leading to a deadly misfire in what they described as a “professional failure.”
The casualties included eight Red Crescent staff, six civil defence members, and one UN worker. The group was responding to an earlier attack when Israeli forces opened fire, claiming at the time that the vehicles lacked proper emergency markings. However, video footage recovered later showed flashing emergency lights and clear ambulance signs—contradicting the military’s initial version.
Troops fired on visible medics, then bulldozed the scene
Footage from the incident reportedly shows medics stepping out of their vehicles before being hit by heavy gunfire lasting over five minutes. The military then bulldozed the scene, burying bodies and wrecked ambulances in a mass grave. Rescue workers were only able to reach the site a week later to recover the victims.
The Israeli army said "poor visibility" contributed to the misidentification, but critics, including the UN and Palestinian Red Crescent, say the medics were clearly marked and posed no threat. The head of Palestine Red Crescent said victims were fired on at close range.
Commander to be removed, no evidence of execution found
A deputy commander involved in the attack will be dismissed for his role and for submitting an incomplete report. The military said it found no signs of execution or attempts to hide the event, but admitted bulldozing the vehicles was a poor judgment call.
In a separate case 15 minutes later, Israeli soldiers also fired at a UN vehicle—another breach of protocol according to the military.
Over 150 emergency workers killed in the war, UN reports
This isn’t the first time rescue workers have been caught in the crossfire. The UN reports that over 150 Red Crescent and civil defence personnel have died, many while actively responding to emergencies. More than 1,000 health workers have also been killed during the ongoing conflict.
Israel has long accused Hamas of using ambulances and civilian sites for military purposes. But medical staff and human rights groups reject these claims, accusing Israel of failing to properly investigate its actions.
The International Criminal Court has previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes. Israel, which does not recognize the court, insists its own legal system is capable of handling such investigations.