The Israeli military reported on Sunday significant errors following their deadly strike on a group of rescue workers in Gaza, which occurred on March 23. The attack claimed the lives of 14 medics and a United Nations worker, prompting widespread international condemnation and criticism labeling the incident a potential war crime.
In a statement detailing the results of its investigation, the military pointed to "several professional failures" by its troops, resulting in the decision to dismiss a deputy commander involved in the incident. Initially, military officials had justified their actions, claiming the vehicles were approaching suspiciously, but this assertion changed after evidence emerged from a cellphone video belonging to one of the deceased medics, clearly showing the marked ambulances and emergency lights.
The military admitted on Sunday that the attack resulted from an “operational misunderstanding,” where soldiers on the ground mistakenly believed they were under threat. Furthermore, it acknowledged a breach of orders when fire was directed at the UN vehicle passing after the initial assault. Acknowledging the challenges posed by poor visibility at night, the military conceded that the deputy commander overlooked the identity of the approaching vehicles.
Two weeks prior, Israeli military officials recanted some of their initial claims, which had been found to be largely incorrect. The military also faced backlash for actions taken post-attack, such as burying the deceased medics in a mass grave and damaging the emergency vehicles.
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, military leadership confirmed that while the removal of bodies was deemed necessary, the decision to destroy the vehicles was considered "wrong." The brigade commander will face reprimands for his accountability for the incident, while the battalion's deputy commander will be dismissed for his incomplete reporting during the debriefing.
This incident continues to escalate discussions surrounding military accountability and the protection of humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
