The Israel Defense Forces took swift action following an internal investigation that exposed a series of “professional errors” leading to the tragic killing of 15 aid workers in southern Gaza. The IDF fired a deputy commander and censured a military chief in response to the incident.
According to the military report, the deputy commander of the Golani Brigade’s reconnaissance unit was dismissed after his forces mistakenly opened fire on a convoy of ambulances in Rafah on March 23. His inaccurate report of the incident contributed to international condemnation after the aid workers and medics were found buried in a shallow grave along with their vehicles.
The IDF expressed regret for the harm caused to civilians and emphasized the importance of learning from operational incidents to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Video evidence contradicted the initial claim that the ambulances were not properly marked and prompted the IDF to revise its account, stating that the troops perceived an immediate threat in the active warzone.
In addition to firing at the ambulances, the troops also targeted a United Nations vehicle due to operational errors. The commander of the 14th Reserve Armored Brigade, responsible for the operation in Rafah, was censured for professional failures and breaches of orders.
The IDF denied allegations of attempting to conceal the killings and admitted fault for preventing the UN and Palestinian Red Crescent Society from accessing the burial site. The victims included Red Crescent workers, members of the Gaza Civil Defense emergency unit, and a UNRWA staffer. While the report claimed that some of the victims were Hamas members, evidence was not provided.
It remains unclear if criminal charges will be filed in connection with the incident. The IDF’s actions reflect a commitment to accountability and transparency in addressing mistakes and improving operational procedures to prevent future tragedies.
