Photo: Depositphotos
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have released the results of an internal investigation into the incident that took place on 23 March 2025 in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in Israeli fire striking ambulances and rescue workers. The investigation was conducted by the General Staff’s independent Fact-Finding Mechanism, headed by retired Major General Yoav Har-Even.
Three episodes and conclusions
The investigation included interviews with soldiers, analysis of combat orders, drone video and recordings of negotiations. It was established that the incident took place in a combat zone where IDF troops were under real threat.
- The first incident: troops opened fire on a vehicle identified as belonging to Hamas.
- Second incident: approximately one hour after the first, the forces opened fire on a group of vehicles, including a fire truck and an ambulance, which approached IDF positions. Fifteen people were killed, six of whom were later identified as Hamas militants. Due to poor visibility, the commander did not immediately realise that they were rescue vehicles.
- The third incident: 15 minutes later, fire was opened on a UN vehicle – as it turned out, due to a violation of orders in a combat situation.
After the battle, the bodies were removed and the damaged vehicles destroyed to clear the route. The military command admitted that the destruction of the rescue vehicles was a mistake.
Human resources solutions
- The commander of the 14th Brigade will receive a disciplinary notice, which will be included in his personal file.
- The deputy commander of the reconnaissance battalion, Golani, will be dismissed from his post due to an incorrect assessment of the situation and incomplete reporting. The IDF noted that the officer is an experienced and dedicated soldier who returned from abroad after 7 October to serve in the reserve.
Command position
The Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, stressed the importance of preserving the army’s values, discipline and adherence to orders, while recognising the professionalism of the unit, which operated in extremely difficult conditions.
The IDF expressed regret over the deaths of civilians and stressed that the results of the investigation have been submitted to the military prosecutor’s office. According to the army’s press service, instructions have been strengthened to avoid similar incidents in the future, even in the most tense of circumstances.
