Background on Key Figures and Relevance
The Israeli military recently conducted an investigation into a tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of 15 rescue workers in Gaza on March 23. The incident involved an attack by Israeli forces on a convoy of ambulances, which drew international condemnation. The key figures in this story include:
- Yoav Har-Even: A retired general who led the investigation and stated that while there was a “mistake,” it wasn’t a daily occurrence.
- Volker Türk: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who expressed horror over the deaths and raised concerns about potential “war crimes.”
- Yunis Al Jatib: The head of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, who claimed that the victims were deliberately shot in the upper body.
- Asaad al Nsasrah: A rescue worker whose abduction during the incident was reported by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.
Incident Details and Investigation Findings
The Israeli military acknowledged “professional shortcomings,” “failure to follow orders,” and “incomplete information” in their report. As a result, a deputy commander was dismissed for providing an “incomplete and inaccurate” report during the investigation.
The incident involved an attack on a convoy of ambulances carrying rescue workers from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, UNRWA, and Gaza Civil Defense. Eight workers from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, six from Gaza Civil Defense, and one from UNRWA perished in the attack.
The Israeli military claimed that six of the deceased were members of Hamas, the governing body in Gaza. However, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society dismissed the report as “full of lies” and stated that the true story differs from the military’s justification.
Reactions and Statements
The Israeli military expressed regret for any harm caused to uninvolved civilians, stating that all victims wore rescue worker uniforms and no weapons were found on them. Two survivors remain, with one still detained according to the military, whose identity has not been disclosed.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that rescue worker Asaad al Nsasrah was abducted during the incident and remains held by Israeli authorities. Days after the attack, the Israeli military claimed their soldiers shot “terrorists” advancing suspiciously in the dark.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society released video footage from a recovered worker’s phone that seemed to contradict the initial military account. The video shows ambulances advancing with headlights and hazard lights on.
Impact on Rescue Workers in Gaza
This incident has highlighted the dangers faced by rescue workers and medical personnel in Gaza since the war began following Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the incident? Israeli forces attacked a convoy of ambulances carrying rescue workers from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, UNRWA, and Gaza Civil Defense, resulting in 15 deaths.
- Who led the investigation? The investigation was led by retired General Yoav Har-Even, who concluded that there was a “mistake” but not a daily occurrence.
- What did the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights say? Volker Türk expressed horror over the deaths and raised concerns about potential “war crimes.”
- What was the Palestinian Red Crescent Society’s response? They dismissed the Israeli military report as “full of lies” and reported that rescue worker Asaad al Nsasrah was abducted during the incident.
