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Gaza Paramedic Deaths: Autopsy Reveals Gunshot Wounds and Explosives as Primary Causes
Autopsy Findings Detail Injuries of Slain Gaza Paramedics
A forensic doctor who conducted autopsies on 15 paramedics and rescue personnel slain by Israeli forces in Gaza this March revealed that fatalities predominantly resulted from gunshot wounds to the head and torso, alongside injuries from explosive ordnance. The investigation into the deaths of these Gaza paramedics continues amidst international concern.
International Condemnation Follows Deadly Incident
Last month, international condemnation erupted following reports of a lethal assault by Israeli forces targeting a team of paramedics, civil defense personnel, and United Nations employees affiliated with the Palestinian Red Crescent. These individuals were engaged in a rescue mission in southern Gaza when the incident occurred.
Mass Grave Burial and Execution Allegations
Israeli forces reportedly buried the bodies of the deceased, along with the wreckage of their vehicles, in a mass grave in Gaza. Subsequently, after exhuming the bodies, the United Nations asserted that the paramedics were executed “one by one”.
Forensic Doctor’s Account of Autopsy Results
Dr. Ahmed Dhair, the Gaza-based forensic pathologist who examined 14 of the 15 victims, stated to a news outlet that his autopsies revealed, “lacerations, entry wounds from bullets, and wounds resulting from explosive injuries. These were mostly concentrated in the torso area – the chest, abdomen, back, and head.”
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Evidence of “Explosive Bullets”
According to Dr. Dhair, gunshot wounds were the primary cause of death. He noted evidence of “explosive bullets,” also known as “butterfly bullets,” which detonate upon impact inside the body, causing extensive tissue and bone damage. Dr. Dhair elaborated, “We found remnants of explosive bullets. In one instance, a bullet head had detonated in the chest, with fragments dispersed throughout the body. Additionally, shrapnel from bullets was found embedded in the back of another victim.”
IDF Remains Silent on Munition Allegations
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has not yet issued a response to allegations regarding the use of these types of munitions in the incident.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
Conflicting accounts surround the precise details of the incident. Video footage from the initial phase of the assault depicted the ambulance convoy under fire. However, the subsequent occurrences that culminated in the burial of the 15 workers in a mass grave remain ambiguous.
Israel Admits Killings, Changes Narrative
The Israeli military acknowledged responsibility for the deaths but revised its initial narrative following the emergence of evidence contradicting its assertion that the vehicles were “moving suspiciously” without illumination. Israel has claimed, without providing public substantiation, that six of the unarmed victims were affiliated with Hamas, a claim refuted by the Red Crescent.
No Close-Range Gunfire Indicated
Dr. Dhair stated that his findings did not indicate close-range gunfire, although he emphasized his lack of expertise in munitions. He added that the shrapnel recovered from the bodies suggested the use of explosive devices. “In some cases,” he noted, “the injuries appeared to be a combination of explosive and conventional gunshot wounds.”
Restraint Allegations Unsubstantiated
Addressing allegations that some bodies were exhumed with tied hands, implying capture prior to death, Dr. Dhair stated he observed no definitive signs of restraint. “Only in one instance, discoloration and bruising on the wrists could potentially be attributed to restraints,” he clarified. He also noted that all victims were visibly in work uniforms and in a state of decomposition.
Pressure Mounts on Israel for Full Investigation
These autopsy results are expected to intensify pressure on Israel to provide a comprehensive account of the incident, amidst accusations of potential war crimes. Israel maintains that an investigation is underway. Recently, it was revealed that Assad al-Nsasrah, one of two paramedics who survived the attack and whose location was previously unknown, is currently in Israeli custody.
Gaza Described as “Mass Grave” Amid Aid Blockade
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) stated on Wednesday that Gaza is increasingly becoming a “mass grave for Palestinians”.
Humanitarian Aid Blocked, Hostage Crisis Escalates
Israel has reportedly blocked humanitarian aid, including vital supplies such as food, fuel, water, and medicine, from entering Gaza since March 2nd. This blockade predates the breakdown of the ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant groups and the resumption of aerial and ground offensives in the region. Israel has declared its intent to continue obstructing humanitarian assistance to Gaza, asserting it as a measure to compel Hamas to release hostages captured during the October 7th attacks. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, “Israel’s policy is clear: no humanitarian aid will enter Gaza, and blocking this aid is one of the main pressure levers preventing Hamas from using it as a tool with the population.”
No Plans to Resume Aid, Conflict Escalation Threatened
Minister Katz further stated, “No one is currently planning to allow any humanitarian aid into Gaza, and there are no preparations to enable such aid,” and threatened to escalate the conflict with “tremendous force” if hostages are not returned. Amnesty International and other aid organizations have condemned Israel’s comprehensive blockade of Gaza as a crime against humanity and a breach of international humanitarian law. Israel denies these accusations.
Gaza Death Toll Surges Amid Renewed Hostilities
Since the onset of the conflict, over 51,000 Palestinians in Gaza have perished, with more than 1,600 deaths occurring since Israel’s resumption of airstrikes and ground operations on March 18th. While the Gaza health ministry does not differentiate between combatants and non-combatants, it reports that over half of the fatalities are women and children.
Photographer Among Latest Casualties, Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
In recent overnight airstrikes, an additional 13 individuals were killed, including prominent photographer Fatema Hassouna, reportedly in northern Gaza. Medical professionals and aid organizations on the ground describe the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as deteriorating daily. Mahmoud Shalabi, a director at Medical Aid for Palestinians, stated, “The situation is the worst it has been in 18 months in terms of being deprived of your basic necessities and the resumption of hostilities and attacks against Palestinians in all of Gaza.”
Hospitals Struck, Aid Resumption Politicized
Israel faces accusations of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis by allegedly targeting hospitals and medical personnel in Gaza. Two hospitals were reportedly struck and incapacitated by airstrikes this week. Israel maintains that Hamas utilizes medical facilities as cover for terrorist activities. The resumption of aid to Gaza has evolved into a contentious political issue within Israel. Currently, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, captured during the Hamas attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023; 24 are believed to be alive. Far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government have asserted that humanitarian aid to Gaza civilians should not resume until Hamas agrees to release the hostages.
Far-Right Minister Opposes Gaza Aid
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared on Wednesday, “As long as our hostages are languishing in the tunnels, there is no reason for a single gram of food or any aid to enter Gaza.”