Mobile phone footage circulating recently has emerged as a pivotal piece of evidence that appears to challenge the Israeli military’s narrative regarding the fatal shooting of a convoy of ambulances and a fire truck in Gaza. This incident occurred on March 23, resulting in the deaths of 15 rescue workers. The video, released by the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), captures a glimpse of the vehicles in motion during the night, with their headlights and emergency lights activated before they came under gunfire. Crucially, the footage was reportedly obtained from the phone of one of the paramedics who lost their life in the attack.
Initial responses from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) included a denial of claims that the vehicles involved had their emergency signals activated. However, as the narrative evolved with the release of this new footage, the IDF stated they would conduct a thorough investigation into the claims made and the documentation surrounding the incident. The claims and counterclaims are significant in the heated backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, where narratives can carry heavy implications for public perception and international relations.
The PRCS has previously asserted that ambulances are prominent in their markings and are equipped with operational lights, as demonstrated in testimonies from surviving paramedics. Munther Abed, one of the surviving paramedics from that tragic day, recounted that emergency lights were on, making the identity of the ambulance unmistakable. He emphasized that their role was strictly humanitarian, insisting that none of the team operated under militant affiliations.
The newly surfaced footage has been described as showing not only the marked vehicles coming to a halt but also two emergency workers stepping out in clearly defined reflective clothing. As sounds of gunfire erupted, the footage, which has been shared with the UN Security Council, caught a chilling moment—one of the paramedics can be heard praying during the event. Tragically, this recording surfaced from the deceased paramedic’s phone, which was retrieved after his body was found in a shallow grave a week post-incident.
In the aftermath, a harrowing context unfolded, where the bodies of the eight paramedics, in addition to six Gaza Civil Defence workers and a UN employee, were found buried, alongside their vehicles. The logistical challenges of accessing the site led to delays from various international organizations, indicating the difficulties associated with working in conflict zones.
Israel’s official stance remained aligned with its military narrative, citing that the incident resulted in the deaths of alleged Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants. However, they have failed to substantiate these claims with evidence or clarify what posed a direct threat to their soldiers during the exchange. Gideon Saar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, reinforced this narrative by stating that the IDF did not aim fire indiscriminately at ambulances.
The call for accountability has intensified, with Dr. Younis Al-Khatib, the President of the PRCS, underscoring the emotional weight of the video. He recounted the last words of a paramedic shot during the event—an expression of a desire to help those in need. Dr. Al-Khatib insists that there should be an independent investigation into what he has labeled an atrocious crime against humanitarian workers.
Moreover, one paramedic remains unaccounted for from the tragic incident of March 23, adding to the urgency and significance of community calls for justice. As tensions continue to escalate, the repercussions of this episode ripple through the broader humanitarian crisis in the region, intertwining with geopolitical implications and calls for adherence to international law as advocates for humanitarian rights grapple with the challenges of the ongoing conflict.