Red Crescent Demands Global Inquiry After Israeli Strike Kills 15 Gaza Medics
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is calling for an independent international investigation into what it describes as a “fully fledged war crime” after 15 emergency responders were killed in a convoy attack by Israeli forces in southern Gaza.
A newly released 18-minute video, filmed by one of the victims, paramedic Rifaat Radwan, contradicts Israel’s initial claims that the ambulances had no lights and were “suspicious.” The footage clearly shows flashing emergency lights on multiple vehicles before they were gunned down near Rafah on 23 March.
The strike killed eight PRCS paramedics, six Civil Defence workers, and one UN staffer. Their bodies were found buried in a shallow grave a week later after safe passage was granted to recovery teams.
PRCS: A Deliberate Attack
At a press conference in the West Bank, PRCS President Dr. Younes al-Khatib said the attack appeared premeditated. “These were deliberate acts, not errors,” he said. “We demand justice for the fallen, who died trying to save lives.”
The Red Crescent insists the area was not designated a red zone, meaning no coordination with the Israeli army was required. Forensic evidence reportedly shows multiple upper-body gunshot wounds, adding to suspicions of intentional killing.
Israel’s military initially justified the strike by saying troops fired on “suspicious vehicles” driving in darkness. But it has since acknowledged that account was incorrect, blaming a “perceived threat” and stating six of the dead were “Hamas operatives”—a claim for which no evidence has been provided.
A surviving paramedic has denied any link between the emergency crews and Hamas, and the PRCS says it has never been affiliated with armed groups.
International Scrutiny Grows
The incident has sparked condemnation globally. Humanitarian law experts and watchdogs like the Red Cross have also expressed outrage, demanding accountability and transparency.
Israel’s Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has reportedly ordered a deeper investigation, though PRCS leaders say they do not trust internal military inquiries, citing prior experiences.
The strike came during Israel’s ongoing campaign to eliminate Hamas, launched after the 7 October 2023 attacks, in which Hamas killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Since then, over 50,750 people have been killed in Gaza, according to its Hamas-run health ministry.
“We Will Pursue Justice”
“This time,” said Dr. al-Khatib, “we hope the world pays attention. These 15 men represent all humanitarian workers endangered in warzones. Their deaths cannot go unanswered.”
As calls grow for independent oversight, the Gaza war’s devastating toll on civilian responders and aid workers continues to raise pressing questions about rules of engagement and accountability in modern conflict zones
