TEL AVIV, Israel – Palestinian medical officials have uncovered video evidence contradicting Israel’s initial claims surrounding the deaths of 15 rescue and aid workers in Gaza last month. The Palestine Red Crescent Society released a video obtained from a fallen paramedic’s cellphone, showing visibly marked rescue vehicles with headlights illuminated and red emergency lights flashing as they came under heavy gunfire.
The video, filmed from inside one of the vehicles in the convoy, captures several minutes of intense gunfire while a voice in Arabic says, “Mom, forgive me. This is the path I chose, to help people.” A military official from Israel, speaking anonymously, mentioned that senior military officials are currently wrapping up an investigation and plan to report their findings to the military’s chief of staff.
Contrary to allegations that soldiers shot medics at close range or handcuffed their hands, the military official stated that the soldiers had protected the bodies by burying them in sand to prevent wild animals from causing any disturbance. The incident unfolded with the crew missing for over a week until rescue teams eventually uncovered the mass grave on March 31, revealing the bodies of 14 Palestinian emergency responders and a United Nations staff member.
In response to the escalating military offensive in Gaza, which followed the breaking of a ceasefire after the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, Israel claims it is engaged in a fight to push for the release of hostages and defeat Hamas. The United Nations reports that 408 aid workers have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The situation remains shrouded in uncertainty as investigations into this tragic event continue.