The Israeli military has concluded that the killing of 15 emergency responders in Gaza on March 23 was the result of an “operational misunderstanding” and a breach of orders, according to the findings of an internal investigation released Sunday.
The probe determined that troops believed they were under threat from enemy forces at the time of the incident, but admitted to “several professional failures, breaches of orders, and a failure to fully report the incident.” The army also announced disciplinary measures, including the dismissal of a field commander.
“The examination determined that the fire in the first two incidents resulted from an operational misunderstanding by the troops, who believed they faced a tangible threat from enemy forces,” the statement read. “The third incident involved a breach of orders during a combat setting.”
The deputy commander of the Golani Reconnaissance Battalion will be removed from his role for “providing an incomplete and inaccurate report during the debrief”. Despite this, military officials described him as “a highly respected officer” who had returned from abroad to serve in Gaza after October 7.
The Commanding Officer of the 14th Brigade will also be formally reprimanded for his overall responsibility, as per the statement.
The IDF expressed regret over the deaths of civilians and said protocols have now been clarified to prevent similar tragedies, stressing “heightened caution when operating near rescue forces and medical personnel, even in high-intensity combat zones.”
What happened on March 23?
The incident took place in the Tal al-Sultan area of Rafah as emergency personnel responded to distress calls following Israeli airstrikes. Eight members of the Palestinian Red Crescent, six from Gaza Civil Defence, and a UN worker were killed.
Initially, Israel claimed the convoy had approached “suspiciously” with no lights on. But video retrieved from a slain medic’s phone, later verified by a surviving colleague, showed ambulances with headlights and emergency beacons flashing, AFP reported.
Gunfire erupted without warning and lasted over five minutes. One paramedic was heard saying, “Forgive me, mother. This is the path I chose, mother, to help people,” moments before the footage ends.
A surviving medic said he was beaten and interrogated. Bodies were later found in a mass grave, reportedly buried by IDF soldiers, who claimed it was to clear the road and protect them from wild animals.
