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Video Footage Challenges Israeli Military Account of Gaza Paramedic Deaths
New video evidence released by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society is raising questions about the Israeli military’s version of events surrounding the deaths of 15 paramedics and civil defense personnel in the Gaza Strip. This incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation into the conduct of Israeli forces.
Details of the Rafah Incident
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, the Israeli military allegedly targeted an ambulance and a fire truck in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, on March 23. The remains of 14 individuals were recovered from a mass grave a week later, on March 30.
Conflicting Military Statements
In the immediate aftermath, the Israeli military stated that its troops had engaged vehicles that approached them in a suspicious manner, lacking coordination and operating without headlights. Israeli officials further claimed that those killed were operatives from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Mobile Phone Footage Discovered
However, the Palestinian Red Crescent announced on Saturday the retrieval of a mobile phone from one of the deceased paramedics. This phone contained video recordings of the rescue team’s activities, potentially offering a contrasting perspective on the incident.
Video Evidence Contradicts Military Claims
The video footage, subsequently shared by the rescue organization on social media platform X, clearly depicts ambulances and a fire engine traveling with activated headlights and blue emergency lights. This visual evidence directly contradicts the initial Israeli military statement.
Audio Recording Captures Attack
The video recording abruptly ends within a minute as the convoy comes under fire. Nevertheless, the audio continues for several more minutes, capturing spoken prayers, purportedly from the assailants, and unclear commands issued in Hebrew by individuals identified as Israeli soldiers.
Eyewitness Account Disputes Official Narrative
The Palestinian Red Crescent argues that the video suggests the unarmed rescue workers were fired upon at close range. This assertion directly challenges the Israeli military’s explanation that soldiers engaged suspicious vehicles approaching them.
Red Crescent Statement on Discrepancies
“This video undeniably refutes the occupation’s assertions that Israeli forces did not indiscriminately target ambulances and that vehicles approached ‘suspiciously without lights or emergency markings’,” the rescue service declared via X, highlighting the inconsistencies between the video evidence and the official Israeli account.
Investigation Announced
Responding to the emerging evidence, an Israeli military spokesperson informed the Times of Israel newspaper that a comprehensive investigation into the incident would be launched. This inquiry will include a review of the newly surfaced video and audio materials to ascertain the facts surrounding the tragic events.