Israel admits to errors in the killings of medics in Gaza.

​Israel has acknowledged that its military mistakenly killed 15 emergency workers, including eight medics from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), a United Nations employee, and members of Gaza's Civil Defense during an incident in Rafah, southern Gaza, on March 23, 2025.

Initially, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that the ambulances involved were not clearly marked and lacked emergency signals, leading soldiers to misidentify them as vehicles carrying militants. However, newly surfaced video footage, reportedly recorded on a phone by one of the deceased medics, contradicts this account. The video shows ambulances with flashing lights and visible logos moving slowly toward a previously attacked ambulance before gunfire erupts. ​

The IDF has since admitted discrepancies in its initial report, stating that earlier claims were based on soldiers' testimonies and have now been revised. The military has launched an investigation into the incident. Survivor Munzer Abed, a paramedic, recounted that troops opened fire suddenly, detained him, beat him, and interrogated him. The bodies of the victims were later discovered in a mass grave, prompting international condemnation. ​

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from international organizations. The International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent reaffirmed their commitment to continue aid operations in Gaza despite the tragedy. The PRCS has called for an independent investigation, rejecting the IDF's claims and highlighting that the victims were clearly identifiable as medical personnel. ​

This event is considered one of the deadliest attacks on Red Crescent workers in recent years, raising serious concerns about the protection of humanitarian aid workers in conflict zones. As investigations continue, the international community awaits further updates on accountability and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.​

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