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"Video Shows Aid Workers Killed in Gaza Under Gunfire Barrage, With Ambulance Lights On" Key Points. NYTimes

 


 Development: 

"Israel Says Its Account of Rescue Workers Killed in Gaza Was Partly ‘Mistaken’

The Israeli military had previously asserted that the workers had been “advancing suspiciously” toward its troops. A video obtained by The New York Times on Friday appeared to contradict that account."

NYTimes. 

Main Points & Details

1. Video Evidence Contradicts Israeli Claims

  • Video from a paramedic's cellphone shows ambulances and fire truck were marked and had emergency lights on.
  • Contradicts Israeli military statement that vehicles were "advancing suspiciously" without headlights or signals.
  • Video shows convoy moving in early morning with headlights and flashing lights active.

2. Scene and Circumstances of the Attack

  • Convoy stopped to assist an earlier ambulance under attack.
  • Video shows aid workers in uniform exiting vehicles to help.
  • Intense gunfire erupts, captured on video and audio for nearly 7 minutes.
  • Paramedic recording the video recites the "shahada," aware of imminent death.
  • Hebrew commands and voices of distressed aid workers are heard in the background.

3. Aftermath: Mass Grave and Destroyed Vehicles

  • Paramedic who filmed the incident was found with a bullet wound to the head in a mass grave.
  • Mass grave contained 15 bodies and crushed ambulances, including one with a U.N. logo.
  • Satellite images showed vehicles were first moved and later buried with Israeli bulldozers visible at the scene.

4. Response from Palestine Red Crescent Society

  • Spokeswoman and leadership confirmed the aid workers posed no threat and were unarmed.
  • President Dr. Younis Al-Khatib accused Israel of knowing the location of the workers but keeping it hidden.
  • Bodies showed signs of close-range targeting; forensic exams found multiple gunshot wounds.
  • One paramedic who survived and was detained by Israel confirmed the attack on ambulances.

5. International Reaction & Calls for Investigation

  • Incident called an "outrage" by Red Cross and Red Crescent representative to the U.N.
  • Marked as the deadliest attack on Red Cross/Red Crescent workers since 2017.
  • U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights demanded an independent investigation, raising concerns about potential war crimes.
  • Incident has sparked global condemnation and scrutiny of Israel's military actions.

6. Unresolved Issues

  • One member of the Palestinian Red Crescent is still missing.
  • Israel has not clarified if the missing person is detained or dead.
  • Israel did not immediately respond to the video evidence shared by The New York Times.


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