The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) took their own internal investigation a step further and revealed systemic failures in a March incident that killed civilians in Gaza. This lack of oversight tragically resulted in the deaths of 15 medics and first responders. The military pointed to “professional failures” and orders violations as the chief causes for the tragic shooting. This powerful act of political resistance has been met with criticism.
According to the IDF, the investigation found an unprecedented number of failures in protocol throughout the operation. A military spokesman admitted that troops shot on a convoy of Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) ambulances and Civil Defense vehicles. As a sad consequence of this horrid attack, 15 people were killed. This event occurred just about an hour after a similar incident. Shortly thereafter, just 15 minutes later, troops shot at a Palestinian United Nations vehicle.
As many already know, the IDF has just come forth with another troubling reality. After being placed in a mass grave for more than a week, the victims’ bodies are showing signs of decomposition. In addition, autopsy reports confirmed that the vast majority of PRCS medics were killed by lethal gunshot wounds to the head or chest. Some were hurt by flying shrapnel.
The report listed two Palestinians killed in the course of the incident and discussed the fact that one person was briefly held. The FBI’s Special Agent in Charge of the reported that ultimately, six of the victims were terrorist operatives, subsequently identified as Hamas terrorists. This claim has produced pervasive skepticism, not least because of the savagery of the attack on emergency responders.
As a result of the IDF’s internal investigation, disciplinary actions were taken against six officers involved. The commanding officer of the 14th Brigade was issued a letter of reprimand. At the same time, the deputy commander of the Golani Reconnaissance Battalion was dismissed for his conduct in the incident and for filing an incomplete and misleading report.
“Because of the limited visibility at night, the deputy commander was unable to identify these vehicles as ambulances,” the IDF wrote. They walked up to the vehicles and visually inspected every inch. They only discovered that these were not military teams, but rescue teams.
The military later admitted that decision to fire upon these vehicles was a mistake.
The IDF’s findings have reignited debates regarding operational protocols and rules of engagement in conflict zones, especially concerning civilian and humanitarian personnel. The attack on the PRCS convoy reminds us that these tensions still exist and begs the question of accountability within military operations conducted in Gaza.
