The Israeli military has linked the unfortunate deaths of 15 emergency workers in Gaza last month to “professional failures.”

An investigation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed several problems, including an “operational misunderstanding” and a “violation of orders.” As a result, the deputy commander of the involved unit has been let go for submitting an incomplete and inaccurate report during the debriefing.

A representative from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) labelled the report as “invalid” because it merely “justifies and shifts blame to a single mistake in field command, while the real situation is much more complex.”

On March 23, a sad event took place where fourteen emergency responders and a United Nations worker lost their lives when a group of PRCS ambulances, a UN vehicle, and a fire truck were fired upon by the Israeli military.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) explained that their soldiers shot because they thought they were in danger from enemy fighters.

An IDF investigation revealed that six of the people who died were linked to Hamas, and they rejected accusations of executing anyone without trial.

During a press conference, Major General Yoav Har-Even, who led the investigation, informed reporters that the Israeli military identified six of the emergency responders as Hamas members, with their names to be released later.

The report described the area where the incident happened as a “hostile and dangerous combat zone,” indicating that the ground commander felt a serious threat as the vehicles approached quickly.

The IDF mentioned that “poor night visibility” made it hard for the commander to recognize the vehicles as ambulances. Furthermore, another commanding officer is expected to face consequences for his overall role in the incident.

At a military briefing on Sunday, reporters were shown aerial videos from the early hours of March 23, which captured the attacks. The footage also revealed that several other vehicles, including an ambulance, passed through the area between the first and second Israeli strikes without being harmed.

Israeli officials said that this proves that unless they saw a threat, troops in Gaza did not attack medical vehicles.

A representative from Gaza has expressed disappointment with the IDF’s investigation, stating it did not meet expectations. Jonathan Whittall commented, “The lack of true accountability weakens international law and creates a more dangerous global situation.”

He added, “If we don’t hold anyone accountable, we may continue to see horrific acts, which could undermine the very principles designed to protect us all.”

At first, Israel claimed that its forces opened fire because the convoy was approaching suspiciously at night without headlights or flashing lights. They argued that the movement of these vehicles was not authorized or planned by the military.

However, this explanation was later found to be “incorrect” after a video from the phone of a deceased medic showed that the vehicles were actually lit up and had their emergency lights on.

A representative from Gaza has expressed disappointment with the IDF’s investigation, stating it did not meet expectations. Jonathan Whittall commented, “The lack of true accountability weakens international law and creates a more dangerous global situation.”

He added, “If we don’t hold anyone accountable, we may continue to see horrific acts, which could undermine the very principles designed to protect us all.”

At first, Israel claimed that its forces opened fire because the convoy was approaching suspiciously at night without headlights or flashing lights. They argued that the movement of these vehicles was not authorized or planned by the military.

However, this explanation was later found to be “incorrect” after a video from the phone of a deceased medic showed that the vehicles were actually lit up and had their emergency lights on.

The video captures cars arriving on the road just moments before the shooting starts at dawn. Spanning over five minutes, it includes a paramedic delivering his last prayers as the sounds of Israeli soldiers approached the vehicles.

It indicates that the vehicles were clearly identifiable paramedics wearing reflective attire.

The bodies of the 15 workers who lost their lives were buried beneath the sand. They remained undiscovered for a week because international organizations, including the UN, were unable to secure safe access to the site or accurately locate it.

The IDF has confirmed the detention of a medic from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society following the incident. Although they did not disclose his name, the International Committee of the Red Cross has previously identified him as Assad al-Nassasra.

The Red Crescent, along with several other international organizations, has called for an independent inquiry into the events that transpired.

The IDF’s decision to dismiss one commander and take action against another senior officer is not unprecedented; they had previously relieved two officers of their duties and disciplined others after the tragic deaths of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen in April of the previous year.

The remains of 15 workers who tragically lost their lives were buried in the sand and went unnoticed for a week following the incident. This happened because international organizations, including the UN, were unable to safely access the site or pinpoint its exact location.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that they detained a medic from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in connection with the incident. While they haven’t disclosed his name, the International Committee of the Red Cross has identified him as Assad al-Nassasra.

The Red Crescent and several international groups are urging for an independent investigation into what happened.

It’s not uncommon for the IDF to relieve a commander of their duties and take disciplinary action against another senior officer. Similar actions were taken last April when two officers were dismissed after the unfortunate deaths of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen.

In May 2024, Israel carried out its first major military operation in Rafah, leading to extensive destruction in the area. During a recent two-month ceasefire, many people returned to what remained of their homes in the city.

Israel resumed its military operations in Gaza on March 18, following the conclusion of the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement and the halt of discussions for a subsequent phase.

The military action to weaken Hamas started after an attack across the border on October 7, 2023, leading to around 1,200 deaths and 251 people being captured.

According to the health ministry in Gaza, which is run by Hamas, at least 51,201 people have lost their lives in the region.