Mobile phone footage has surfaced, seemingly opposing the official Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) narrative regarding the tragic killing of 15 emergency workers in Gaza. The recording was reportedly made by a paramedic from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) who was amongst those killed on March 23. The video, released by the New York Times, captures the clearly marked ambulances and fire truck, their lights flashing, moving forward in darkness before they were fired upon by IDF troops.
The IDF's initial statement alleged that "several uncoordinated vehicles" approached their personnel suspiciously, without lights, prompting the shootout. However, a surviving paramedic disputed this, asserting that the vehicles were indeed marked and illuminated. Footage reveals the emergency workers halting their vehicles with lights on, with at least two individuals stepping out in reflective gear.
As the camera rolls, gunfire erupts, with the sound of bullets ringing out while the person filming recites prayers, believed to be one of the deceased medics. After the incident, the paramedic's phone was recovered along with his body from a shallow grave, alongside the remains of several other medics and their damaged vehicles, leading to calls from international entities for safe access to the location.
Despite claims of militants being among the casualties, no substantial evidence has been provided by Israeli officials, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar upholding the military's account, stating that there was no random attack on the ambulances. Furthermore, the IDF has expressed a commitment to investigate the incident following the contradictory accounts presented by survivors.
Paramedics, including Munther Abed, emphasized their civilian roles, underscoring the lack of militant affiliations and their core purpose of providing medical support. At the United Nations, PRCS President Dr. Younis Al-Khatib poignantly referenced the footage, highlighting the last words of a fallen team member, calling for accountability and an independent investigation into what he termed an "atrocious crime.” One paramedic remains unaccounted for following the incident, marking an ongoing tragedy for the community.
