New Video Challenges Israeli Military's Justification for Fatal Strike on Ambulance Convoy

Newly surfaced video evidence suggests a discrepancy in the Israeli military's explanation for an incident that led to the deaths of 15 paramedics and rescue workers in Gaza. According to the Palestine Red Crescent Society, the footage shows ambulances and a fire truck operating in darkness, with their headlights and emergency lights activated prior to being fired upon by Israeli troops. This video was reportedly retrieved from a paramedic's phone who was tragically killed during the event.

On the morning of March 23, Israeli soldiers opened fire in the Tel al-Sultan area of Rafah, killing eight Red Crescent personnel, six Civil Defence workers, and a UN staff member. Initially, the Israeli military stated that the vehicles did not have their emergency signals on and claimed they opened fire because the convoy was perceived as moving suspiciously toward their forces.

In a statement to The Independent, the Israeli military acknowledged they are conducting a thorough investigation into the events of March 23, 2025, and are inviting anyone with relevant information or documentation to come forward to assist in their inquiry. Furthermore, they mentioned that the soldiers involved had reportedly killed several militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who were said to be in vehicles adorned with Palestinian Red Crescent insignia.

The UN has indicated that accessing the location where the emergency teams vanished took several days, and as of now, one paramedic remains unaccounted for. Israel has frequently accused Hamas of using ambulances and other emergency vehicles to conceal and transport fighters, as well as utilizing hospitals and civilian structures, claiming this justifies their military actions. However, medical personnel extensively refute these allegations.

The ongoing Gaza conflict was ignited by a Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in around 1,200 casualties and the hostage-taking of approximately 250 individuals. In retaliation, Israel's military operations in Gaza have reportedly led to the deaths of more than 50,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, and displaced 90 percent of the enclave's 2.3 million population. The toll on emergency responders has been catastrophic, with over 150 members from the Red Crescent and Civil Defence having been killed, most while on duty, alongside more than 1,000 health workers.