The Israeli military has admitted to making “mistakes” and expressed regret for the deaths of civilians in the deadly shootings of rescue workers in the Gaza Strip. Following an investigation into the incident, which resulted in 15 deaths in March, the Israeli military stated that orders were not followed and the incident was not “fully” reported. An officer involved in the incident will be relieved of their post.
However, the Israeli military also claimed that six members of Hamas were among the dead. Additionally, the Israeli military insisted that they did not “arbitrarily” shoot and did not carry out any “execution.” The soldiers allegedly responded to “real threats.”
The incident had caused international outrage. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, Israeli soldiers shot at several rescue vehicles in the Gaza Strip on March 23, killing at least 15 people, including six medical staff, six members of the civil protection and one UN employee.
According to the Israeli military’s own statement, after an initial investigation, they concluded that the soldiers believed they were in danger and shot at what they believed to be terrorists. The military spokesperson also stated that soldiers shot at the vehicles because they were moving without headlights or emergency signals.
However, video recordings taken with a mobile phone, according to Palestinian claims, showed the moments leading up to the deaths of the victims, with the ambulances’ headlights and sirens on as the shots were fired.
The investigation and the admission of mistakes by the Israeli military come as tensions continue to rise in the region, with ongoing conflicts and violence between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety and security of rescue workers and civilians in conflict zones.
The Israeli military’s admission and the ongoing investigation into the incident are important steps towards understanding the events that led to the deaths and ensuring that such incidents are not repeated in the future. However, the incident has also highlighted the need for greater protection and safety measures for rescue workers and civilians in conflict zones.
As the investigation continues, it will be crucial for all parties involved to cooperate fully and provide transparency to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The international community will also continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the safety and security of all individuals affected by the ongoing conflict.